A new Dutch research project aims to achieve 'appropriate, warm, and smart care technology' for people with dementia. Central to this is the use of artificial intelligence (AI) for solutions that are in line with what people with dementia require.
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Dementia is growing at an alarming rate worldwide
With an aging population and the prediction that the worldwide number of people who have dementia will triple in the coming 30 years, the Netherlands is looking for solutions to be able to continue and improve care for the elderly in the future.
Recently the Dutch Research Council (NWO) has allocated 3 million euros (about 3.2 million dollars) in subsidy to look into artificial intelligence as a possible solution. The resulting research project is led by the Eindhoven University of Technology and called QoLEAD (Quality of Life by use of Enabling AI in Dementia). The project will last for six years.
Scary
Dr. Henk Herman Nap (senior researcher eHealth at the national Centre of Expertise for Long-term Care in the Netherlands) explains that (when it comes to the Netherlands) in long-term care, a lot of data from clients and care providers is collected and shared. Increasingly, this data concerns digital care plans, AI-driven home automation, and smart wearables.
Data collected from smart wearables can be very valuable for diagnosis and finding the right treatment. It can also be usefull for determening how well a treatment or medicine is working.
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Sometimes the combination of data and AI can aid in understanding what has happened with a patient. Other times, AI can help predict what might happen in the future. All of that may sound like science fiction and even a little scary to some, but according to Nap, this development can undoubtedly bring meaningful and humane care.
From Nap's point of view, it is therefore essential that healthcare providers work together to take data-driven care to the next level. Nap and his colleagues believe that data and AI should be designed and deployed in a meaningful way.
It is expected that the new research program will contribute significantly to securing a balance between automation and people-driven person-oriented care.
Benefits of AI in healthcare
The most significant promise derived from AI in healthcare is the assistance it can offer to healthcare professionals and their clients when it comes to health promotion, disease prevention, finding the right treatment with an increased chance for positive results, and providing time for more person-oriented care.
Think of daily routine support with a social robot or senior tablet for those that suffer from memory problems. Or technology that provides healthcare professionals and relatives with more detailed insight into the day-to-day life patterns of people who have dementia. These types of applications are very valuable when we look at the future of healthcare.
Sources and further reading:
What is the difference between Alzheimer's disease and dementia? (Universal-Sci)
Scientists predict that the number of people suffering from dementia will triple in less than 30 years - (Universal-Sci)
Will AI save us from a world without working antibiotics? (Universal-Sci)
How AI can aid us in preventing pandemics - (Universal-Sci)
National Centre of Expertise for Long-term Care in the Netherlands - (Vilans)
The Dutch Research Council - (NWO)
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