Framework for the development of Alzheimer´s patients care intelligent systems based in Humanitude

Abstract

Contemporary trends in fertility rates and life expectancy are propelling significant demographic changes. It is projected that by the year 2030, one in every six individuals will be over the age of 60. A consequential byproduct of this demographic shift is the anticipated global increase in conditions commonly associated with aging, such as Alzheimer’s disease. Under this anticipated scenario, there is a projected shortage of high-quality care services that not only enhance the quality of life but are also accessible to those who require them. Assistive services, bolstered by technology, frequently prioritize patient monitoring and concentrate on providing support to caregivers. These approaches, however, are not holistic in nature and lack the provision to enhance the mental and social well-being of the patients. In the present study, we propose a comprehensive framework designed for the development of assistance systems specifically tailored for individuals in the early stages of Alzheimer’s disease. This framework is underpinned by the Humanitude care methodology, a well-regarded approach to dementia patient care. A sequence of interviews was undertaken with medical professionals, aiming to pinpoint elements of relevance associated with the age spectrum and disease symptoms. Concurrently, specific components from the conversation aspect of the Humanitude methodology were incorporated. Furthermore, we identified, tested, and selected the most suitable technological tools for developing assistance systems focused on social verbal interactions. In conclusion, we acknowledged the emerging areas of opportunity within the field of dementia-related research, thus proposing the foundation for the adaptation of the Pitt corpus and the establishment of a Latin American Spanish corpus.