Alzheimer’s Patients Can Now Create Their Own Biographies Via AI
By Nicole Rodrigues, 06 Sep 2023
AREA 23, an IPG health network company, and the Universidade Federal de Ciências da Saúde de Porto Alegre (UFCSPA) in Brazil have jointly introduced ‘bAIgrapher’, a platform rooted in generative artificial intelligence designed to offer a novel approach to reminiscence therapy for individuals battling Alzheimer’s disease.
The core function of bAIgrapher is to gather narratives from patients and their loved ones, employing digital interviews as the medium. These collected memories then converge into personalized biographies, a tangible connection to their past.
These biographies take the form of printed books or engaging audiobooks, providing Alzheimer’s patients with a unique channel to revisit cherished memories.
The driving force behind bAIgrapher is a finely-tuned large language Model (LLM) AI system, drawing wisdom from over 400 biographies. It seamlessly combines its prowess with complementary systems to craft captivating life stories.
The approach to data collection within bAIgrapher draws from finite, curated, and highly personalized sources—individuals who willingly contribute their stories. This stringent process aims to prevent any semblance of false or bewildering information.
It is well-established that reminiscence therapy, as facilitated by bAIgrapher, bestows numerous benefits on Alzheimer’s patients. These encompass not only the rekindling of memories but also the fortification of cognitive functions, reduction of depression and anxiety, and an uptick in social engagement, thereby enhancing overall quality of life.
UFCSPA plans to integrate bAIgrapher into its protocol for advancing Alzheimer’s treatment. A comprehensive analysis of its impact on patients enrolled in Brazil’s public healthcare system is also on the horizon.
As part of its global vision, UFCSPA harbors plans to extend the reach of bAIgrapher to partner institutions worldwide, including esteemed establishments such as Harvard and Brown. This collective endeavor holds the promise of transforming reminiscence therapy, offering a glimmer of hope to those affected by Alzheimer’s across borders.
Below is a short tutorial on how it works.
[via The Drum and LBB Online, screenshot via bAIgrapher]