Let's talk about dementia* during largest and most influential international meeting dedicated to advancing dementia science, the Alzheimer’s Association International Conference. Depend on who shows up, potential topics of conversation might be: What it is like to care for someone with dementia? What is the latest scientific research regarding causes and cures? What are some technologies useful in slowing onset of dementia, or maintaining function at home? In this last regard, note the following presentations and posters at AAIC18:

Enhancing Dementia Care and Building Empathy through the Integration of Virtual Reality Technology and Art Therapy

Feasibility of Virtual Reality in Cognitive Enhancement for Persons with Young Onset Cognitive Impairment: A Preliminary Study

Measuring Gait Characteristics of Induced Disorientation in a VR Environment

Dementia Education with and without Virtual Reality (VR) Experiences to Increase Knowledge, Build Empathy, Change Attitude and Improve Care Practice

Also note the preconference workshop: Technology & Dementia

*Dementia is a chronic or persistent disorder of the mental processes caused by brain disease or injury and marked by memory disorders, personality changes, and impaired reasoning.

Below: MiRo, a social robot, appeared at AAIC18, during its preconference Dementia & Technology workshop. Ever since I saw Robot and Frank I've been interested in robots and aging. BTW, check out a future Health Systems Chat about Robots in Healthcare (watch the Robot and Frank trailer there!)

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