Friday, November 7, 2008

Computerized carer lessens dementia load

Eureka Alert
Alex Mihailidis, Jennifer N Boger, Tammy Craig and Jesse Hoey
BMC Geriatrics
An artificial intelligence coaching system has been developed that will help carers of older adults with moderate dementia. The COACH system (Cognitive Orthosis for Assisting aCtivities in the Home), described in the open access journal BMC Geriatrics, uses a camera and computer to deliver interactive advice - lessening the workload on often-overburdened carers.

Alex Mihailidis led a team of researchers from the University of Toronto, Canada, who tested the COACH's ability to help a group of six older adults with dementia remember how to wash their hands. Mihailidis said, "COACH employs various computer vision and artificial intelligence techniques to autonomously provide the user with verbal and/or visual reminders as necessary during their activities of daily living".

When COACH was used, the participants with moderate dementia showed......read the whole story

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