Latest news with #SCARF
The Hindu
02-07-2025
- Health
- The Hindu
Researchers in U.K., Chennai, explore use of AI and social robots for early dementia detection and support
Dementia, a condition that affects millions worldwide, has become a challenge of significant concern as the global population ages. Traditionally, care for dementia has relied heavily on medication, therapy, and the support of family and caregivers. However, now, the approach to dementia care is beginning to evolve in unexpected ways. Researchers are exploring how technology, particularly robotics and Artificial Intelligence (AI), can play a deeper role in supporting human care. Though still in its early stages, a notable example is the collaboration between Imperial College London and the Chennai-based Schizophrenia Research Foundation (SCARF), where a team is investigating how social robots could aid those living with dementia. The aim of this research is not only to provide companionship, but also to detect early signs of cognitive decline. Use of social robots The research seeks to use voice recognition and 'social robots' to detect early signs of cognitive decline. Social robots are those that interact and communicate with humans by following social behaviors and rules. According to Ravi Vaidyanathan, professor in biomecharonics at Imperial College London, who leads the research, the idea is to engage people with dementia and use these interactions to monitor their cognitive health. 'We are looking at how we can use voice interactions to diagnose dementia. By collecting data over time, the AI can help doctors spot early warning signs,' Prof Vaidyanathan explained. He believes the technology has the potential to identify changes in speech, like hesitation, difficulty finding words, or changes in inflection, that could signal the early stages of dementia. 'If we can get people to engage with the robot and enjoy the interaction, we create a richer dataset that may lead to more accurate diagnostics,' he added. The pilot studies conducted so far are said to have shown encouraging results. In one particular study at SCARF, a social robot was used to engage participants diagnosed with dementia. The robot initiated conversations with people about their daily lives, asking simple questions such as, 'How did you sleep last night?' and 'How are you feeling today?' Sridhar Vaitheshwaran, consultant psychiatrist and head of DEMCARES at SCARF, pointed out the positive outcomes, saying, 'People with dementia were genuinely interested in the robot and engaged in meaningful conversations. It was clear that they were interacting with it not as a machine, but as a companion.' This finding highlighted the potential for robots to alleviate feelings of isolation that many people with dementia experience. Data for early detection Prof. Vaidyanathan noted that the key goal of the research isn't just about keeping patients engaged but also about collecting meaningful data. 'We're gathering data in real-time, so it's not just about engaging people. It's about how we can make sure this interaction can lead to something useful. If we can detect early signs of dementia based on these conversations, we can better equip physicians with tools for early diagnosis,' he stated. He also stressed the significance of regular check-ins. 'By having conversations with people every day, we can observe fluctuations in their speech over time, which could be early indicators of cognitive decline.' Challenges in scaling up, data privacy One of the biggest challenges in scaling this research, however, lies in the cross-cultural differences in language, speech patterns, and patient engagement. By testing the technology in different cultural contexts, the team aims to make the AI more adaptable to various accents, linguistic nuances, and communication styles. While the potential for social robots in dementia care is exciting, the project also faces the critical issue of data privacy. In the context of AI, voice recordings and other personal data can raise significant concerns. Prof. Vaitheshwaran said of the importance of ethical research practices, 'I think any research, any data that we gather from people needs to be protected and it has to be ethical, and we need to be careful about what we do with the data,' adding that the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) has developed comprehensive guidelines for the use of patient data. 'All of our studies undergo thorough review by our Ethics Committee to ensure that the data is handled ethically and securely,' he said. The use of voice data, especially in healthcare settings, poses unique privacy challenges. According to the team, the data gathered is handled privately. Close oversight of both the research team and participants is maintained to ensure a degree of control. 'But when it comes to broader implementation, managing these aspects becomes much more complex — and that's something the research community hasn't fully resolved yet,' said Prof Vaidyanathan. He pointed out that as the research evolves, maintaining privacy during the broader deployment of the technology will be an ongoing concern. Early intervention and reducing physician load Looking ahead, Prof. Vaidyanathan said that the next step is to refine the technology for early dementia detection through AI-powered voice screening, which could alert physicians when further evaluation is needed. Ultimately, they aim to support clinicians and people with dementia through technology that is both effective and user-friendly. 'We want to move beyond just helping those already diagnosed with dementia. We aim to identify people at risk before they show any obvious symptoms.' He believes that if dementia is detected in its early stages, it could make a significant difference to managing the disease and improving patients' quality of life. The team also wants to explore combining voice data with other diagnostic methods, like urinary tract information or even genetic markers. 'Voice interactions are one piece of the puzzle, but when combined with other diagnostic tools, we could create a more holistic approach,' Prof. Vaidyanathan said.
The Hindu
11-06-2025
- Health
- The Hindu
SCARF to host job fair for those with mental illness on June 14
The Schizophrenic Research Foundation (SCARF) will organise a job fair for persons with psychiatric illness on Saturday (June 14, 2024) on its premises in the city. Addressing a press conference on Wednesday, R. Thara, vice-chairman of SCARF, said: 'Many people with mental illness are capable of doing good work. If we see past the stigma surrounding their conditions, we come to realise that they are competent.' R. Padmavati, SCARF Director, said seeking and sustaining in jobs had been one of the biggest challenges that those with serious mental illness face in everyday life. 'This job fair is being organised to address the increasing need for employment opportunities among mental health service users. Paid employment is not just a source of monetary benefits but an important step in the road to recovery from serious mental illness,' she added. The job fair will have around 200 candidates, and 20 employers from various sectors such as manufacturing, retail, information technology, academic training centres, among others will participate. Speaking about her experience working at the SCARF pharmacy, Malathi Jeevanandhan said with the support of her psychiatrist and family she continued to work in the pharmacy preparing bills. According to SCARF, in the last two years, its employment exchange programme has registered 400 people. Around 60% of the applicant were given jobs and managed to retain them. The foundation also plans to hold another job fair around International Day of Persons with Disabilities in December. R. Seshasayee, chairman of SCARF, and Rohini Ramesh, vice-president, corporate social responsibility, Sanmar Group, were also present.
BBC News
23-04-2025
- Entertainment
- BBC News
Peterborough knitters create 50ft scarf for Dr Who exhibition
A team of knitters have used their skills to create a 50ft (15m) long scarf for an unofficial Doctor Who exhibition. Adventures in Time & Space, which opens at Peterborough Museum next month, asked the museum's resident knitting group to embrace the Time Lord's spirit and create the original neckwear worn by the fourth Doctor, played by actor Tom Baker, reportedly measured 18ft (5.5m), so this woolly masterpiece is more than three times its length."It took about six weeks to knit the scarf and we are really pleased to have gifted it to the museum to support the exhibition," a group spokeswoman said. As well as forming a great friendship group and support network, the 14 members raise money for The Children's Society by selling their hand-knitted items. The knitters, who are known as SCARF, said that after the exhibition ends in November, they plan to turn the scarf into shorter versions to donate to a local homeless charity in Peterborough. Follow Peterborough news on BBC Sounds, Facebook, Instagram and X.
