# Automatic Reminiscence Therapy for Dementia

arXiv: https://arxiv.org/abs/1910.11949 · HTML: https://mlsanity.com/paper/1910.11949/

## Key facts

- Cited by 3 papers in the map (data through 14 Oct 2026).
- First posted on arXiv 25 Oct 2019.

## Built on by (most cited first, 3 of 3)

- [Exploring the Design of Generative AI in Supporting Music-based Reminiscence for Older Adults](https://mlsanity.com/paper/2403.01413/) (2024)
- [Learning-Based Strategy Design for Robot-Assisted Reminiscence Therapy Based on a Developed Model for People with Dementia](https://mlsanity.com/paper/2109.02194/) (2021)
- [Investigating the Potential of Artificial Intelligence Powered Interfaces to Support Different Types of Memory for People with Dementia](https://mlsanity.com/paper/2211.10756/) (2022)

## Abstract (arXiv)

With people living longer than ever, the number of cases with dementia such as Alzheimer's disease increases steadily. It affects more than 46 million people worldwide, and it is estimated that in 2050 more than 100 million will be affected. While there are not effective treatments for these terminal diseases, therapies such as reminiscence, that stimulate memories from the past are recommended. Currently, reminiscence therapy takes place in care homes and is guided by a therapist or a carer. In this work, we present an AI-based solution to automatize the reminiscence therapy, which consists in a dialogue system that uses photos as input to generate questions. We run a usability case study with patients diagnosed of mild cognitive impairment that shows they found the system very entertaining and challenging. Overall, this paper presents how reminiscence therapy can be automatized by using machine learning, and deployed to smartphones and laptops, making the therapy more accessible to every person affected by dementia.