Alzheimer’s Intelligence project demonstrates how smarter AI can empower people and give different communities a voice around future innovation
On October 15, at Lenovo Tech World, Lenovo™ in partnership with Innovations in Dementia, unveiled Alzheimer’s Intelligence, a groundbreaking project that introduces a photorealistic 3D avatar powered by custom AI. This avatar, designed based on the lived experiences of individuals with dementia and Alzheimer’s, provides 24/7 access to a conversational resource offering tailored advice with a focus on accuracy, privacy, and compassion.
With approximately 55 million people globally living with dementia—a number expected to soar to 139 million by 2050—this initiative aims to leverage AI to enhance human interaction and support individuals facing the challenges of dementia. “Lenovo’s Alzheimer’s Intelligence demonstrates the potential of AI to transform the way we support those living with dementia,” said Dr. David Llewellyn, Professor of Clinical Epidemiology and Digital Health at the University of Exeter. “This project exemplifies how technology can provide valuable tools for the present and future needs of dementia patients.”
This innovative solution is powered by Lenovo’s extensive portfolio of technology solutions, from personal devices to enterprise-level applications. The Alzheimer’s Intelligence avatar is a composite of images from 10 real individuals living with dementia and Alzheimer’s. Using generative AI, the system extrapolated thousands of expressions and angles from the original photos, which were then integrated into the avatar, “Liv.” The AI can engage in natural, unscripted conversations, making it an invaluable resource for those navigating the complexities of a dementia diagnosis.
Doug Fisher, Chief Security and AI Officer at Lenovo, emphasized the importance of using AI for good: “With rapid advancements in AI, it’s crucial we develop technology that meets the needs of communities often overlooked by innovations.” He added, “This initiative is part of Lenovo’s commitment to delivering Smarter AI for All, ensuring technology empowers everyone.”
The creation of Liv combines cutting-edge AI technologies, including a large language model (LLM) dataset developed from real-life experiences shared by individuals living with dementia. These experiences were gathered from the Dementia Diaries project and in-depth interviews, allowing the AI to provide answers based on firsthand knowledge. When users interact with Liv, their speech is converted into text, and Liv responds with a synthesized voice, powered by a custom vocal synth. The AI’s facial expressions are also tailored in real-time to reflect the sentiment of the conversation, creating a highly realistic and emotionally aware interaction.
Designed to offer guidance on everyday challenges faced by those living with dementia, Alzheimer’s Intelligence also provides advice on discussing the disease with loved ones, exploring new hobbies, and managing the day-to-day reality of living with dementia. The avatar was developed to be highly accessible, with minimal tech expertise required for use, ensuring a natural and familiar experience for users.
Currently, the avatar is undergoing trials with individuals diagnosed with dementia in a controlled setting, with plans to make it more widely available in the future. The project prioritizes ethical considerations, ensuring that no medical advice is provided by the avatar. Lenovo worked closely with experts like Dr. Llewellyn and Innovations in Dementia to ensure the AI’s development and testing were responsible and aligned with best practices.
Lenovo’s AI-driven solutions, including its devices, software, servers, and cloud infrastructure, came together for the first time to bring this avatar to life. The Alzheimer’s Intelligence initiative demonstrates the potential of AI to not only innovate, but also positively impact the lives of those living with dementia.
- Lenovo’s tech partner Kaleida, who led the development of the avatar and underlying AI, leveraged Lenovo’s AI professional services to support the processes and security
- ThinkStation P7server, ThinkPad T14s Gen 6, and ThinkPad X1 Carbon Gen 12 AIPC laptops, as well as Lenovo Legion and ThinkVision monitors and accessories.
“When individuals are first diagnosed with dementia, they often feel overwhelmed, filled with questions about what lies ahead. While this AI is not meant to replace human interaction, it offers a compassionate and knowledgeable source of support, grounded in the real-life experiences of others living with dementia,” explained Steve Milton, Director of Innovations in Dementia. “It’s inspiring to see tech leaders like Lenovo using AI in such an innovative way—recognizing the expertise of people with dementia and harnessing it to provide vital support when it’s needed the most.”
Innovations in Dementia highlights that approximately 20% of those who seek their services are under 65 and may live with dementia for many years. The organization advocates for a positive yet realistic perspective on dementia, emphasizing that while the condition is life-changing, it doesn’t have to be life-ending.
Doug Fisher, Chief Security and AI Officer at Lenovo, echoed this sentiment: “We recognize the importance of giving everyone a voice in the development of technology. With the rapid advancements in AI and smarter technologies, now is the perfect time to explore new and creative ways to use these tools responsibly, for the greater good. Ultimately, it’s about re-imagining a future where technology serves—and is shaped by—all people, ensuring everyone has a voice in defining what the most transformative technologies of our generation should look like.”
Gail Gregory and Ahmad Krayem, focus group participants comment:
- “It’s so important to have real people involved in the creation of the avatar. Because the people with dementia are the experts. We’re the ones living with it. You can’t just grab things from a textbook because it’s not real. It must be real. And the more realistic it is the more relatable it is. I think it is going to be a very useful tool, especially for people living on their own because they’ve got nobody to ask,” Gail Gregory.
- “I want to help other people who have been recently diagnosed with dementia and reassure them that it is not something to be afraid of. A doctor can tell you what medication to take. But only people living with dementia, can tell you what they are exactly going through,” Ahmad Krayem.
The participants in this film include:
- Gail Gregory: Diagnosed with Alzheimer’s at age 55, Gail also subverts the commonly-held stereotypes of a person living with dementia. She can broach serious topics with humour, and is candid in her opinions and struggles.
- Ahmad Krayem: Ahmad was only diagnosed with early onset in his early 60s after insistence from his wife, who was a pharmacist, that he should go for a check-up. Ahmad found stopping work a big challenge and has been through a journey of denial and acceptance. He talks passionately about helping others who’ve gone through this.
Alzheimer’s Intelligence is a proof-of-concept tool and is not publicly available, but for anyone looking to hear from people living with Alzheimer’s or dementia diagnosis, can contact Innovations in Dementia (UK) or Alzheimer’s Association (US).
Examples of interactions with the avatar:
Q: I keep forgetting to take my pills. How can I remember?
A: It’s quite common to forget things like taking medication. Perhaps setting a routine could help, like taking your pills with a meal or at the same time each day. You could also try setting an alarm or reminder on your phone. There are pill organisers, too, which can be useful. Would one of those options suit you, do you think?
Q: How do I talk about my diagnosis with friends and family?
A: Talking about your diagnosis with friends and family can be a daunting task, but it can also help to bring support and understanding. Start by sharing how you feel today and maybe a bit about what you’ve learned about your condition. Encourage them to ask any questions, as this can help them understand what you’re going through. It’s okay to be honest about any fears or concerns you have, as well. Do you think that might be helpful?
