Intervention tailoring in AAL systems for elders with dementia using ontologies

Abstract

We present an approach for personalizing non-pharmacological interventions for people with dementia (PwD) using ontologies. A successful intervention requires an individualized approach that considers the evolving needs of the PwD and the the caregiver. Person-centred models of dementia care focus on addressing individual needs and emotional reactions. From an in situ intervention with persons suffering with Alzheimer's, we derived an ontological model to allow an Ambient Augmented Memory System (AAMS) to personalize the planning and execution of interventions to address problematic behaviors. Through an application scenario, we illustrate the flexibility of the ontology to provide the AAMS system with contextual information to personalize an intervention to assist PwD who have problems recalling their medication. © 2012 Springer-Verlag.