Demonstration of AI-Enhanced Technology for People with Dementia, V1
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Demonstration of AI-enhanced Assistive Technology for People with Dementia Living at Home and Care Homes
IRAS ID
361046
Contact name
Melanie Handley
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
University of Hertfordshire
Duration of Study in the UK
0 years, 4 months, 26 days
Research summary
People with dementia often experience challenges with memory and daily routines. There is a growing need for assistive technologies, such as reminder systems to support their independence, autonomy, and help them stay connected with others.
This study will explore how people with dementia and their carers experience a reminder device called MemoryAid, designed to support daily routines such as drinking water or taking part in leisure activities. Participants will share their experience about three ways of managing the same tasks: (1) their usual routine without the device, (2) a manual version of MemoryAid that carers can programme themselves, and (3) an AI-enhanced version that automatically generates personalised prompts, and messages.
We will work with 24 pairs of participants (12 living at home and 12 in care homes). Each pair will be visited three times over a two-week period. During these visits, participants will interact with the assistive technology under researcher supervision. Their interactions will be observed, and short interviews and questionnaires will explore usability, trust, comfort, and feelings of independence.
By comparing people’s own routines with both the manual and AI-enhanced devices, the study will examine how different levels of technological support influence autonomy and everyday experience. The findings will help researchers and developers design assistive technologies that are adaptive, respectful, and person-centred, supporting people with dementia and the carers to manage their daily routine.REC name
Yorkshire & The Humber - Leeds West Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
26/YH/0073
Date of REC Opinion
1 May 2026
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion