Co-Designing Location-Based Services for Individuals Living with Dementia: An Overview of Present and Future Modes of Operation

Abstract

Dementia is an encompassing term used to define a series of 'neurological conditions, of which the major symptom includes a global decline in brain function' [17]. Alzheimer's Disease International [6] reports that every three seconds, one person worldwide will develop dementia. The not-for-profit also noted that there are 55 million individuals living with dementia and it is projected that by 2050, this number will increase to 139 million. In Australia alone, an estimated 487,500 individuals are living with various forms of dementia, with 70% residing in the community, requiring 1.6 million carers [15]. A recent report during Dementia Action Week stated that despite the increased appreciation of the fundamental rights of individuals living with dementia, many were still subject to discrimination and lacked societal inclusion [16]. This article maintains that dimensions of equity and inclusion are pertinent to discussions around technological solutions developed with the dementia community, specifically, future artificial intelligence-enabled options that may, unless carefully designed, exacerbate or amplify issues of discrimination, marginalization, and personhood.