Intelligent Assistive Technologies for Dementia: Clinical, Ethical, Social and Regulatory Implications

The development and implementation of intelligent assistive technologies (IATs) to compensate for the specific physical and cognitive deficits of older adults with dementia have been recognized by many as one of the most promising approaches to this emerging financial and caregiving burden. In the past 15 years, advancements in artificial intelligence (AI), pervasive and ubiquitous computing (PUC), and other advanced trends in software and hardware technology have led to the development and design of a wide range of IATs to help older people compensate for the physical and sensory deficits that may accompany dementia and age-related cognitive decline. These technologies are designed to support impaired older adults in the completion of activities of daily living, assist them in the prevention or management of risk, and/or maintain their recreational and social environment. The widespread implementation and use of assistive technologies is a very rapid process, which is reshaping dementia care and producing constantly changing strategies. This volume aims at providing an up-to-date overview of the current state of the art of assistive technologies for dementia care and an examination of their implications at the medical level, including psychological and clinical issues and their ethical and regulatory challenges. The overall goal of this book is to raise societal awareness on the use of IATs for dementia care and take a first step into developing an international regulatory and policy framework.