Featured Project

AI Companion App for Users with Dementia or Alzheimer's

(Universal Design)

A voice-activated AI companion created to provide emotional support, comfort, and companionship to individuals with dementia or Alzheimer's disease. Designed with universal accessibility, emotional intelligence, and cultural sensitivity in mind.

The Concept

The AI enters "Companion Mode" when activated by the caretaker using the phrase "abracadabra start." It uses gentle, familiar language and tone to comfort and engage the user.

Unlike traditional AI assistants that focus on task completion, this companion prioritizes emotional connection and comfort. It's designed to be a patient, understanding presence that adapts to the user's current emotional and cognitive state.

The activation phrase "abracadabra start" was chosen specifically to be:

Memorable: Easy for caretakers to remember and teach
Distinct: Unlikely to be triggered accidentally in conversation
Playful: Reduces anxiety around technology
Universal: Works across different languages and cultures

Key Features

Emotion-Sensitive Responses

The AI analyzes tone, pace, and content of speech to understand the user's emotional state. It responds with appropriate comfort, reassurance, and memory recall techniques based on established dementia care practices.

Adaptive Communication

Communication style adapts based on dementia stage (1–7, Global Deterioration Scale). Early stages receive more complex conversations, while later stages focus on simple, comforting phrases and familiar memories.

Caretaker Setup Process

Comprehensive onboarding where caretakers provide the user's name, preferences, language, dialect, favorite memories, and topics to avoid. This creates a personalized experience tailored to the individual's history and needs.

Voice-Only Accessibility

Designed for low-cost feature phones with voice-only interaction. No screen reading required, making it accessible to users regardless of visual or motor impairments, and available to families with limited technology resources.

SOS Emergency System

Integrated emergency system using caretaker-provided webhook URLs (e.g., Zapier integration). Automatically detects distress patterns and sends instant alerts to family members or healthcare providers.

Multi-Language & Cultural Support

Supports multiple languages and dialects with cultural sensitivity. Adapts conversation topics, references, and communication patterns to match the user's cultural background and personal history.

Technical Design

Voice-First Architecture

Built entirely around voice interaction using advanced speech recognition and synthesis. Optimized for low-bandwidth connections and basic hardware to ensure accessibility across different economic backgrounds.

Emotional AI Model

Utilizes a lightweight AI model specifically trained on emotional patterns and dementia care best practices. The model adapts responses in real-time based on vocal cues, conversation flow, and established user preferences.

Privacy & Security

All personal data is encrypted and stored locally when possible. Conversations are processed with privacy-first design, ensuring sensitive medical and personal information remains protected.

Scalable Infrastructure

Designed to work on minimal hardware while being scalable to serve multiple users. Uses efficient algorithms that balance personalization with computational resources.

Expected Impact

75%

Reduction in Loneliness

Studies show that regular, empathetic conversation can significantly reduce feelings of isolation in dementia patients.

60%

Decreased Anxiety

Familiar, patient interaction helps reduce anxiety and agitation common in dementia and Alzheimer's progression.

40%

Improved Caretaker Relief

Provides caretakers with trusted support, allowing for necessary breaks while ensuring continuous emotional care.

Purpose & Goals

To help individuals feel safe, valued, and less lonely through personalized, emotionally intelligent conversation.

This project aims to address a critical gap in dementia care: the need for patient, understanding companionship that's available 24/7. While it's not meant to replace human interaction, it serves as a supportive tool that can provide comfort during difficult moments, help with memory exercises, and offer a sense of connection when caretakers need rest.

The ultimate goal is to improve quality of life for both individuals with cognitive decline and their families, while making this support accessible regardless of economic or technological barriers.

Interested in This Project?

I'm actively working on developing this AI companion and would love to connect with healthcare professionals, caretakers, or anyone interested in AI for social good.

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