Concept Development of an Assistive Technology for Real-Time Face Recognition and Memory Support for people with Alzheimer’s disease

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a progressive neurode-generative disorder that severely affects memory and social interaction, often leading to isolation and a diminished Health-related Quality of Life (HRQoL). Existing assistive technologies (AT), including mobile applications and wearable devices, aim to monitor and support daily activities, yet many lack real-time processing and intuitive integration. To address this gap, we propose the conceptual development of a smart glasses system with real-time facial recognition, paired with a mobile application that provides visual and auditory reminders of identified individuals. The system processes images by detecting and encoding faces, matching them to a stored database for accurate recognition. To assess feasibility, a dataset of 18 individuals and 440 images was used, demonstrating reliable identification despite challenges with non-frontal poses and varying lighting conditions. By facilitating social recognition, this proposal aims to encourage the creation of technology to enhance social engagement, reduce isolation, and improve HRQoL for individuals with AD. This conceptual project lays the groundwork for future AT developments in dementia care.