Cognitive decline is one of the biggest factors limiting the independence of older people. The consequences of cognitive impairment include accidents, depression, self-neglect, isolation and physical illness. All of these threaten quality of life and independence. Assessment and monitoring of cognitive health is a time-consuming and costly exercise.
Our aim is to develop technologies that can remotely monitor cognitive health and help target appropriate intervention. In the context of large rises in the incidence of dementia and Alzheimer’s disease the long-term objective is to reduce the burden on clinical resources by enabling new models of care.
The cognitive research strand is running two projects. “Dear Diary” is concerned with identifying markers of cognitive decline in speech and language. Training for Focused Living is developing technology tools and training protocols that allow older people to increase their levels of alertness.