Digital Memory Augmentation based on how the brain works (i2i Phase 1)

点击翻译按钮获取中文摘要

Memory loss is the most common and debilitating cognitive impairment resulting from Alzheimer's disease (AD) and from the mild cognitive impairment (MCI) which often precedes AD. Currently 564,000 Canadians live with AD or a related dementia, costing $33 billion annually (rising to $293 billion by 2040). Memory loss diminishes one's sense of identity and autonomy, leading to a vicious cycle of social isolation and depression,which in turn exacerbates memory loss. Digital Memory Augmentation (DMA) is an approach to mitigate memory loss in which portable devices capture information about everyday episodes, allowing for later review and recollection. DMA has been shown to produce memory benefits - even more so than common strategies such as keeping a diary. However, prior DMA approaches have not been informed by our understanding ofbrain function or key learning principles.This project aims to optimize and field test a new kind of DMA platform that optimally reduces memory impairment in aging and dementia. This is the first DMA tool designed based on our understanding of how the brain internally "reminds" itself of prior events. It mimics important functions of the hippocampus - a brain area damaged in MCI/AD - by replaying and reorganizing movies of an individual's life to stabilize and retrieve memories. The proposed work will enhance the replay algorithm to improve efficacy and user enjoyment. Specifically, we will use field-leading machine vision tools so that the replay algorithm groups related events into meaningful and coherent narratives that can retrieved on demand to reveal memories relevant to any given situation. We predict that grouping related events into meaningful narratives that are pertinent to the currentsituation will not only enhance memory benefits, but also lead to increased user satisfaction and engagement. We will test our enhanced platform with key stakeholders, including community-dwelling older adults as well as residents and caregivers at a residential living facility.