The use of artificial intelligence and machine learning in the care of patients with dementia: A literature review

Abstract

AbstractBackgroundThe question as to how best to help people living with dementia, and their carers, is an ever pressing global health and social care concern. Emerging technologies may have the potential to help with this and we decided to perform a literature review on the existing research.ObjectivesTo identify, appraise and synthesise the literature to assess the existing research landscape of the area of machine learning and artificial intelligence, with relation to the care of people with dementia.MethodsA literature search was conducted, searching the PsychInfo, Medline, PubMed and Embase databases. With the papers identified, we assessed the quality of the research and considered what overall findings there were in the existing literature.Results619 papers were initially identified, of which 28 related to the use of AI and machine learning in the care of people with dementia. The papers were divided into categories to show the utility and effectiveness these technologies may have: 1: to alert caregivers and professionals to problems that people with dementia may have 2: to facilitate activities and treatment for people with dementia, both health and social care related 3: to help decide on and plan care for people with dementia 4: to consider the ethical implications of the use of artificial intelligence and machine learning in this patient groupConclusionThere is a paucity of literature about the use of AI and machine learning in dementia care, but the existing studies show some potential, if used well, for these technologies to be a useful addition to the care of people living well with dementia. In particular there is potential for the use in terms of location sensors which may in the future assist with helping to keep patients safe. As is always the case with technology as applied to medicine, the experience of people living with dementia and their carers must be integral to their development and use.