CareCompanion: A Personalized Virtual Assistant for Enhancing Support and Independence in ADRD Patients and Older Adults

Alzheimer's Disease and Related Dementias (ADRD) patients and older adults face challenges related to memory loss, navigation difficulties, and social isolation, impacting their daily tasks, appointments, and social connections. To address these multifaceted challenges, this paper presents the design, development, and preliminary evaluation of “CareCompanion,” a virtual assistant tailored specifically for this population. Leveraging advanced AI technologies such as natural language processing, machine learning, and knowledge graphs, CareCompanion provides personalized reminders, navigation assistance, and social connectivity features. Preliminary evaluation results demonstrate the potential of CareCompanion in improving the quality of life, independence, and social engagement for ADRD patients and older adults. Further research and development can enhance its effectiveness, usability, and customization, catering to the unique needs of this population, while fostering connections and mitigating the impact of memory loss, navigation difficulties, and social isolation.