Dementia Avatars and Scenarios

Dementia Australia

Dementia Avatars and Scenarios

Development of multiple AI avatars (who have dementia) and different engagement scenarios for impactful education and care.

Australian Capital Territory, Australia

Australia

Nonprofit

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Specific problem 1: Lack of understanding and discrimination towards people living with dementia which leads to issues such as poor treatment and care, undue stress on health systems and increased strain on carers. Specific problem 2: The numbers of people with dementia are increasing and sustainable solutions need to be found for governments and the community to become more dementia aware and friendly. Scale of the problem in Australia: - 433,300 people are estimated to be living with dementia in 2025 - 812,500 people are estimated in 2054 - 1.7 million people are involved in the care of someone living with dementia in 2025 Scale of the problem globally: - 55 million people were estimated to be living with dementia in 2020 - 78 million people are estimated in 2030 - 139 million people are estimated in 2050. - Much of the increase will be in developing countries. - Already 60% of people with dementia live in low and middle income countries, but by 2050 this will rise to 71%. - The fastest growth in the elderly population is taking place in China, India, and their south Asian and western Pacific neighbours

What is it : An innovative platform that will allow the production of multiple AI Avatars who have different forms of dementia within different scenarios to be used for online interactive experiential learning and education for delivery across the globe. What does it do: Enables individuals to engage with the AI Avatars to learn person centered communication skills and care, provide support and be aware of upholding the human rights of people living with dementia deserve. How it works: Engaging experiential learning delivered online will educate more care workers to improve their delivery of person-centred care. Dementia Australia has one avatar and one scenario currently - Ted is an avatar in his 70’s and is living with Lewy body dementia. He is dressed in his pyjamas and sitting on his bed. You are an aged care worker whose task is to give Ted a shower. You have never met Ted before. You have to convince him to undertake this very personal scenario and, if you do it incorrectly, Ted will become agitated. Communication done well, Ted will agree to the shower and feel he has choice and autonomy over decisions made in his day.

Target Population 1: Who: People living with dementia Underserved: Discrimination, stigma, lack of best practice dementia care in the Aged Care Providers sector, lack of knowledge in other carers for people living with dementia including doctors and allied health care providers. Solution: They will receive better care, face less discrimination and live more comfortably in Dementia Friendly communities. Target Population 2: Who: Personal carers of people living with dementia Underserved: In particular, younger carers of people living with dementia are often overlooked and not supported. All carers often face discrimination or lack of understanding about dementia and in areas where there are few services and support (eg rural Australia or 3rd World Countries) it is even more difficult. Target Population 3: Who: Staff who assist people living with dementia Underserved: They are often over-worked, lack resources and skills to enable best practice dementia care.