Research led by Alisha Pradhan focuses on developing customizable assistive technologies that adapt to cognitive and physical abilities changes in people with mild dementia. The project aims to enhance independence, minimize frustration, and improve mental health among older adults through personalized technology that users can help design.
Innovative research by Alisha Pradhan from the New Jersey Institute of Technology suggests that customizable assistive technology could enhance independent living for people with mild dementia. Alongside Emma Dixon from Clemson University, Pradhan is leading a three-year NSF grant project to create technologies that evolve alongside the cognitive and physical changes accompanying dementia.
Dementia affects more than just cognitive abilities; it can also alter physical capabilities. For instance, someone might read a smaller font in the morning but require a larger one as the day progresses. The researchers emphasize that individuals often have insights into their own needs and how to adapt their environment and technology for future challenges.
Pradhan’s initial research dives into personal experiences, highlighting how people with dementia actively adjust their surroundings. She recalls a participant who trained his dog to respond to an Amazon Alexa command for medicine retrieval, showcasing human ingenuity in creating supportive systems. This illustrates a collaborative spirit in designing technology that can be personalized.
The project will unfold in three phases, starting with interviews to pinpoint where older adults with cognitive impairments require assistance. The second phase will engage users in co-designing tools to enhance daily objects, with prototypes like a reminder doormat and a plant holder that alerts when it needs watering. These serve as examples of what’s possible with customizable technology.
Pradhan notes the existing availability of sensors and controllers, which can empower individuals to create their assistive devices. This project will stress the importance of personalized training materials for broader accessibility. Additionally, it aims to cultivate awareness among students and developers about the diverse needs of users, particularly older adults whose speech may differ from younger populations.
Technology designed to adapt to the unique preferences of people with dementia could significantly improve their independence and support their mental health. Pradhan highlights that those with dementia often face depression; hence, personalized tech could encourage engagement in meaningful activities and enhance their quality of life.
At NJIT, other researchers are also addressing the needs of seniors. For example, Michael Lee plans to teach coding to older residents, while David Lubliner offers a course in geriatric engineering. Their collective efforts, including inviting AI experts to speak on neurodegenerative disorders, signify a commitment to understanding and meeting the needs of this demographic.
Pradhan urges the importance of user involvement in technology development, cautioning against assumptions about what older adults or those with dementia desire. “So giving our users – who are going to be using these technologies – a say, having that agency in building their systems, will tell us a lot about the kind of systems we should be building” – Alisha Pradhan.
So giving our users – who are going to be using these technologies – a say, having that agency in building their systems, will tell us a lot about the kind of systems we should be building.
