AI chatbots could provide companionship for people with dementia, but their role raises complex questions

Jason Karlawish, a professor at the University of Pennsylvania, writes an opinion piece exploring how artificial-intelligence chatbots might be used in dementia care.

He recounts the story of Doug, a retired minister, whose boredom was alleviated when he spent hours talking with “Jane,” an AI chatbot that offered companionship and conversation, much to the relief of his wife Gabriella.

Karlawish notes that while such technology can provide meaningful interaction, it also raises difficult questions about the nature of care, ethical responsibilities, and how to integrate AI tools safely into the lives of people with cognitive impairment.