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CL01: Improved memory

Last modified by Valentijn van de Beek on 2023/04/07 23:43
UpsideWith the help of notes stored in the system, PwDs can refresh their memory frequently, ask for additional details and increase their accuracy. Besides, games that involve musical elements can help them to improve their cognitive skills. Reminding them of some important facts may reduce the burden on caretakers, since less questions need to  be asked and some (medical) reminders can be built-in.
Downside

Relevant stakeholders need to renew information stored in the system frequently to keep it updated which may need additional effort and time. If the robot constantly reminds the patient of things he still remembers, the patient may get annoyed and bored. Also, there is some chance that the information can be accessed and used by others which may undermine privacy. A few variants of dementia involve paranoia; having patients fill in false information during these periods could lead to vicious cycle.

Use Cases
Tests

Cognitive tests and behavioural observation are used to test the upsides. By utilizing advanced technology such as voice and face recognition, the robot is able to determine whether PwDs correctly recognize their relatives. This evaluation process involves recording and keeping count of the number of times PwDs accurately name their relatives and identify their relationships. Upon achieving a correct rate of more than 80%, we believe that this technology has been instrumental in enhancing memory accuracy. 

In the game section, the system will keep track of the times PwDs make incorrect assumptions. In order to minimize any potential confusion or irrational behaviour, the system will proactively provide more information about those particular individuals more frequently compared to those who were correctly identified during the game.

Having medical staff periodically review the notes taken by the patient, they are to mitigate any harmful effects of negative or false information. This frequency could be increased depending on the individual circumstances of the PwD.