UAE unveils region’s first AI-based therapy for Alzheimer’s and Dementia

The Mohammed Bin Rashid Centre for Government Innovation (MBRCGI), in collaboration with the Emirates Health Services Establishment, launched the first phase of clinical trials for synthetic memories technology at Al Amal Psychiatric Hospital. This is the first step of its kind in the region, coinciding with the World Alzheimer's Day.

The unique project aims to support the treatment of Alzheimer and dementia patients by redesigning realistic digital memories that simulate moments from the patients’ lives that have begun to fade. Its reliance on generative artificial intelligence techniques contributes to stimulating the patients’ memories and enhancing their psychological and emotional responses.

The project is being implemented in partnership with the Spanish company Domestic Data Streamers, following the implementation of a dedicated training programme to qualify psychologists to use the technology within targeted treatment plans.

The innovation relies on integrating information provided by patients or their families to produce visual and personalized content for use in a therapeutic environment supported by the latest AI technologies, thereby improving the quality of life for the elderly and those with memory disorders.

To adapt the technology to the local cultural, the centre collected archival images related to the UAE from various historical periods, including footage from the 1950s and 1960s, before the declaration of the federation.

The centre collaborated with researchers and experts in the history of the region to analyze and interpret the images within their historical and cultural context, ensuring the accuracy of the content used to train the model.

After processing the visual material, the model was trained in local data reflecting the cultural and social character of the UAE. This pioneering experiment employs AI not only as a therapeutic tool, but also as a means to strengthen emotional and human bonds between the patient, their family and their community, while preserving the nation’s memory and cultural identity through a renewed visual narrative generated by the model.

Abeer Tahlak, Director of MBRCGI, emphasized that the synthetic memories project embodies the UAE government’s ambitious vision to pioneer innovation aimed at serving humanity, creating a better future and ensuring sustainable government excellence.

It also represents a practical model of the MBRCGI’s year-round efforts to transform challenges into implementable and applicable opportunities across all areas of government work, she added.

The project embodies the MBRCGI’s approach to using innovation as a fundamental tool in policymaking and service delivery, representing a unique intersection between advanced technology and societal needs, she said.

It underscores the importance of such projects in expanding and disseminating innovative models across key sectors and their significant role in strengthening national initiatives aimed at improving the quality of life in society, based on AI solutions, she added.

Dr. Nour Al Muhairi, Director of the Psychiatric Health Department at the Emirates Health Services Establishment, emphasized that the initiative embodies the establishment’s commitment to adopting future therapeutic solutions that integrate scientific progress with humanitarian needs.

Synthetic memories open a new therapeutic window, contributing to enhancing mental health quality and providing an innovative method for emotional engagement with personal experiences, thereby supporting recovery and psychological stability, she said.

Meanwhile, Dr. Ammar Hamid Al Banna, Director of Al Amal Psychiatric Hospital, explained that the launch of this technology represented a critical turning point in the future of psychotherapy.

The launch of clinical trials represents a new phase that combines science, technology and the human spirit, he added, noting that synthetic memories are not merely a therapeutic method, but rather an emotional experience that restores the patient’s connection to themselves and their memories, opening up a new horizon for them towards recovery.

In cooperation with MBRCGI, the establishment organized a training workshop at Al Amal Psychiatric Hospital, which witnessed a remarkable positive response from the psychological staff.

Participants expressed their appreciation for the scientific and humanitarian value of the technology and their willingness to implement it in clinical practices in accordance with approved ethical and professional standards.

Initial clinical trials with a number of patients have shown encouraging results. Increased emotional engagement and therapeutic response were observed when viewing specially designed content, which contributed to enhancing communication during therapy sessions and adding a personal and emotional dimension to the psychological experience.