Artificial Intelligence based Health, Optimism, Purpose, and Endurance in Palliative Care for Dementia (AI4HOPE)

Start date: January 2024
End date: December 2027
Partners and collaborators: Funder: Horizon Europe and UKRI University of Turku, Finland University College Cork, Republic of Ireland University of Porto, Portugal University Hospital Bonn, Germany University Medical Centre Maribor, Slovenia University of Maribor, Slovenia INTRAS Foundation, Spain Dexai – Artificial Ethics, Italy IDENER.ai, Spain Tera Globus, Lithuania Innovation, Information, Intelligence evolution P.C, Spain BitNet Institute of Technology of Castilla y León, Spain European Association for Palliative Care, Belgium Alzheimer Europe, Luxembourg
Primary investigator: Riku Klein – project coordinator, Matthew Allsop – local PI

Description

The AI4HOPE project “Artificial Intelligence Based Health, Optimism, Purpose, and Endurance in Palliative Care for Dementia” is a Horizon Europe and UKRI-funded initiative. It aims to provide holistic, culturally aware palliative care for dementia patients through innovative artificial intelligence (AI) technologies. By leveraging advanced digital health interventions, AI4HOPE seeks to enhance the quality of life (QoL) for patients and their informal caregivers, addressing distress, anxiety, emotion, and pain management. The project targets the integration of digital solutions to support advanced care planning, education, and decision-making, ultimately aiming to improve patient outcomes and reduce the societal and economic burden of dementia care. The project brings together 16 partners from diverse institutions across Europe, including universities, research centres, healthcare providers, and industry partners.

Impact

Across Europe the prevalence of dementia is about 2% of the total population (over 10 million). It is estimated that this will climb to 3% or higher by 2050. AI4HOPE aims to deliver patient-centred digital health interventions that improve access to care and quality of life for those affected by the condition. The project aims to provide invaluable support to people with dementia and their carers/supporters through advanced care planning systems and emotion-regulation techniques. Reminiscence therapy, one of the critical components of AI4HOPE's approach, has shown promising results in improving quality of life and reducing depression among people with dementia. The project aims to expand access to these vital support services by harnessing technology.