SiNDeM

Navigation assistance has the potential to reduce the progress of dementia by empowering people with dementia (PwD) and supporting their quality of life. Therefore the SiNDeM project aims to develop a recognition model of disoriented behavior in PwD. This enables the provision of situation-adaptive assistance strategies, supporting PwD in their autonomous outdoor activities.

Summary

Heatmap indicating places of recognized desorientation

To analyze patterns of disorientation, we collect behavioral data using accelerometer, GPS (Global Positioning System), ECG (Electrocardiogram), and EDG (Electrodermogram). Therefore 13 probands with mild cognitive impairment to mild dementia are equipped with these sensors and asked to find the way back, after being accompanied by a psychologist in an orientation walk. Additionally, we ask probands to keep a mobility diary for 28 days. A developed ontology of disorientation supports the annotation of the video-taped walks and the reasoning about adaptive assistance. To provide further contextual data, cognitive models are harnessed and integrated with the sensors‘ observation model using CCBM (Computational Causal Behavior Models). Such extended information about a person’s current state and environmental situation, supports the recognition of disorientation and the provision of situation-adaptive assistance.

Short Facts

  • Title: SiNDeM (Situation-Aware Navigation Assistance for Dementia Patients using Causal Behavior Models)
  • Runtime: 2014 - 2017 (funding period: July 2014- June 2015)
  • Sponsor: Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF)
  • Budget: 120.000 Euro
  • Reference number: 16SV7091

Collaboration Partner

Key Publications

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