Revolutionizing Elderly Care: How AI is Transforming Cognitive Training in Hong Kong
Image Source: Commercial Radio Hong Kong
Hong Kong is facing a significant challenge with its aging population. It is reported that approximately one in five elderly residents living in the community suffers from mild cognitive impairment. In response to this growing issue, the occupational therapy department at Pamela Youde Nethersole Eastern Hospital in Hong Kong has integrated Artificial Intelligence with robotics to assist these patients, marking a significant shift in traditional healthcare practices.
AI Robots Reducing Training Time
The introduction of AI-powered robots has shown promising results in cognitive training for patients with mild cognitive impairments. Compared to conventional methods, these AI robots have successfully reduced the time it takes for patients to complete training sessions independently. This improvement suggests that AI can enhance the responsiveness and effectiveness of cognitive exercises, making the treatment process more efficient.
Enhanced Cognitive Exercises
According to senior occupational therapist WK Chan, the AI robots provide four types of cognitive training: reality orientation, memory and learning, executive functions, and attention and concentration. Each category includes 80 to 100 questions, customized randomly based on the patient's condition, with about 40 questions tackled per session. This personalized approach ensures that the training is both relevant and challenging for each patient.
Tailored Training and Immediate Feedback
AI technology within the robots allows patients to interact through voice, giving their answers aloud which are then assessed in real time. This setup not only facilitates immediate feedback but also adjusts the difficulty of tasks based on the patient's responses. Such features help maintain the patient's interest and prevent discouragement, promoting continued engagement with the training program.
Comparative Study of Training Methods
A comparative study conducted by the hospital involved 20 patients with similar levels of mild cognitive impairment; half received traditional cognitive training while the other half trained with the AI robot. Although the overall improvement was similar between the two groups, those using the robot showed notable enhancements in their reaction capabilities.
Success Stories of Reintegration
One inspiring case is that of Ms. Fung, a 64-year-old patient who experienced noticeable memory decline and was diagnosed with mild cognitive impairment. After beginning cognitive training with the AI robot, she not only mastered the new technology but also saw significant improvements in her cognitive abilities. By October, she was able to resume a part-time job delivering newspapers, demonstrating the practical benefits of this AI-assisted training.
Interdepartmental Collaboration and Future Plans
The hospital's occupational therapy department has been collaborating across different specialties to develop the AI cognitive training system since April last year. They plan to expand the use of AI robots to other suitable patient groups within various specialties, aiming to continuously improve and diversify the training content and system capabilities.
Long-term Vision and Optimization Goals
Looking forward, the hospital aims to optimize the AI system further by incorporating real-time data analytics, enhancing learning functions, and adding more diverse training content. These improvements are expected to not only enhance the functionality of the AI robots but also broaden their applicability, potentially slowing cognitive decline in a larger patient population.
Source: https://www.orangenews.hk/hongkong/1230822/東區醫院出動AI機械人-訓練輕度認知障礙症患者.shtml
