Somatosensory Interactive Device Design towards Empathetic Communication of Alzheimer Patients’ Inner Perceptions

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a slowly progressing neurodegenerative disorder, with symptoms varying among individuals. The public commonly reduces AD to memory loss, neglecting its broader impact on other cognitive functions, which leads to misunderstanding and isolation of patients. To address this, this design is based on the theory of empathetic communication and incorporates somatosensory interactive technology to develop an interactive device that simulates the first-person perspective, allowing users to experience patients' inner perceptions. By simulating five sensory cognitive impairment and orientation disorder impairments in Alzheimer's cognitive disorder, two experience modules, Mirror Me and When, are set up to enhance users' understanding of the patients' inner perceptual process. The device aims to eliminate misunderstandings and stereotypes, foster emotional resonance between the public and patients, and promote greater societal attention and support for those affected by AD.