Exploring the ethics of technology and AI in dementia care

While the incredible advancements in robotics and artificial intelligence (AI) have many applications for improving the lives of people living with dementia, it’s important that technology is used ethically and appropriately.

It’s an area that The University of Queensland researcher Dr Wei Qi Koh is exploring with the aim of establishing ethical guidelines for the use of technologies such as AI, robotics and virtual reality in dementia care.

Robotics and AI in the aged care setting

Dr Koh, who was awarded a Dementia Australia Research Foundation grant for the project, said there has been a body of ethical arguments on how such technology should be used to support people with dementia.

"However, these lack consumer input, particularly the views of people who are living with dementia,” she said.

“There are very limited practical guidelines for residential aged care facilities on how to ethically use technology tools such as robotic pets and virtual reality.

“Aged care facilities use technologies like robotic pets, which simulate experiences of interacting with animals, or virtual reality to simulate being in specific environments. These simulated experiences serve to enhance the wellbeing of people living with dementia.

“They can reduce agitation, improve mood and foster social connections however their use also raises ethical considerations such as potential deception or impacts on dignity.

“By working with people living with dementia, family caregivers and residential aged care facility staff, this project will develop guidelines to support the ethical use of innovative technology, specifically those that can stimulate experiences and support dementia care.”

Using technology to live independently with dementia

For Dementia Advocate and retired psychologist Bobby Redman, who is also an Advisory Panel member on this research, modern technology helps her to live independently.

Ms Redman, who was diagnosed with frontotemporal dementia in 2015, has her house set up with sensors, a personal alarm pendant and an AI assistant.

She has even recorded her own alarms so that every morning she is prompted to get out of bed by her own voice telling her “come on lazy bones, get out of bed”.

Ms Redman’s AI powered smart-home device is set up to remind her to have a drink of water and stretch her legs every 90 minutes.

She also has sensors set up throughout her house that record when she gets out of bed or goes to the toilet. And she can analyse the data recorded on her smartphone.

“As a psychologist, I know that one of the first clues towards things going pear-shaped is when behaviour patterns start to change,” Bobby said.

These technological tools help her to live independently and provide peace of mind.

“I feel safe now, I don’t feel at risk.”

Want to know more?

The Dementia Australia Research Foundation relies on financial support from generous individuals and organisations committed to investment in dementia research.

If you would like to help us to support more research into dementia with projects just like this one, you can donate to dementia research here.

If you would like support, advice or information about any type of dementia-related issue, please contact the National Dementia Helpline. 
 

The Helpline is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year on 1800 100 500 or via our live chat.

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