Oshawa: Ontario Tech adds conversational AI to VR dementia therapy

Ontario Tech University has added a conversational-AI component to its VR Memory Project, which uses virtual reality to support reminiscence therapy for people living with dementia. The new feature generates human-like dialogue to encourage participants to talk about meaningful life experiences and to help sustain conversations during reminiscence sessions.

The project is led by Dr. Winnie Sun, an Associate Professor in Ontario Tech's Faculty of Health Sciences who leads the Wellness Innovation in Neuro-Aging Lab and serves as Co-Research Director of the Advancement for Dementia Care Centre, a partnership between Ontario Tech and Ontario Shores Centre for Mental Health Sciences.

Through the VR Memory Project, participants wearing a VR headset step inside virtual environments tailored to their own experiences and interests, revisiting childhood locations, favourite travel destinations, cherished music and family photos. The research team is also adding scent as an extra sensory element. The project draws on health sciences, engineering and game development across the university.

The team says the conversational-AI feature aims to reduce isolation and loneliness and to promote caregiver and intergenerational connection. People living with dementia and their caregivers help test and co-design the technology as it evolves, including participant Bea Kraayenhof, who said the virtual experiences felt immersive and relaxing.

Dr. Sun said the technology is only valuable if it addresses the real needs of the people it is meant to serve, adding that without the participation of people with dementia and caregivers in the co-design process, researchers lose track of what they need.