Auracle: An AI-Enabled Telecare System to Support the Independence and Safety of Individuals with AD/ADRD and Other Dementias

ABSTRACT Dementia rates are growing at an alarming rate in all regions of the world and are related to population aging. It is estimated that over 30 million people have dementia, with 4.6 million new cases of dementia every year - one new case every 7 seconds. The number of people affected will double every 20 years to 81.1 million by 2040. Most people with dementia live in developing countries (60% in 2001, rising to 71% by 2040). The prevalence of dementia rapidly increases from about 2-3% among those aged 70–75 years to 20–25% among those aged 85 years or more. Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is the most common type of dementia among western countries, corresponding to about 60% of cases while vascular dementia (VaD) is the second, with about 20% of all cases. Around 10% of adults over 65 develop mild cognitive impairment (MCI). MCI, while less severe than other forms of dementia, does impact everyday living and is a precursor of Alzheimer's. Dementia caregiving, perhaps more than any other type, places tremendous burdens on the physical, psychological, social, and financial wellbeing of the 4 million people providing informal care to seniors with dementia. Family caregiving, accompanied by emotional strain, was an independent risk factor for mortality among older adults. The majority of family care for older adults with dementia is carried out by either wives or daughters. Home caregiving may have negative acute effects on both psychosocial and physiological responses, especially in daughters. As functional impairment increases, during the course of AD/ADRD, caregivers require more assistance and access to resources to properly manage symptoms and, thereby, avoid an elder’s institutionalization. Greater support can also reduce the detrimental impact of stress on the caregiver. Technology that can support caregivers in monitoring the activity, safety and wellbeing of seniors with dementia in the homecare setting can significantly increase the quality of life for seniors and their family members as well as reduce costs to them and the healthcare delivery system. Unfortunately, current, outdated systems are of limited utility. We propose a technically advanced, but easy to use, low cost telecare system called Auracle. Auracle will utilize a unique combination of AI algorithms that will analyze data collected from a mesh network of innovative IoT modules placed throughout the home of the elder being monitored. This highly autonomous system combines a plug and play, compact form-factor with a voice interface. Auracle will be designed to improve the safety, quality of life and wellbeing of people with AD/ADRD or other dementias of aging and provide badly needed support to caregivers who provide their care.