MemPal, developed by researchers at the Fluid Interfaces group, is featured in a WBUR article exploring how AI can help older adults manage memory challenges.

By Mike Kalin

Opposition to artificial intelligence might be the only issue that unites a polarized America right now. More adults predict that AI will have a negative impact on them than a positive one. As a high school history and English teacher, I sympathize with these concerns. I’ve witnessed students using chatbots to write essays, summarize complex readings and cheat on exams, all actions that undermine the very purpose of education.

Similarly, the Apple Intelligence feature on the iPhotos app provides a search tool for names, events and places associated with photos in a library, a helpful aid when trying to recollect whether I was present at a gathering with friends or family.

And then there are tools like Claude Projects, where I can upload files and other data to create a custom chat capable of answering questions based on my own material, such as names, schedules and daily reminders. Claude Projects serves as something of an administrative assistant, helping me organize tasks and deadlines.

One promising example of an AI tool to support older adults is MemPal, developed by the MIT Media Lab. MemPal uses a camera worn around the neck of the user to observe and record the surrounding world. Using a multimodal large language model, MemPal creates a real-time automated text diary of actions and conversations between an individual and others. The technology allows users to ask questions like “Where is my phone?” or “Where is my wallet?” The device also provides reminders such as “Did you remember to turn off the stove?” While this kind of technology is in its early stages, a small study conducted last year by researchers at the MIT Media Lab confirmed improved performance of object finding among users and an overall positive perception of the system. Tools like MemPal could be essential as cases of dementia continue to proliferate.