[Hinews] SEOUL, South Korea — A team led by Dr. Hee Jin Kim, a neurology professor at Hanyang University Hospital, has demonstrated through a clinical study that an AI-driven telephone service, ‘CLOVA CareCall,’ can significantly improve memory and reduce depressive symptoms in dementia patients. The study, published last month in the online edition of Scientific Reports, underscores a groundbreaking non-pharmacological approach to enhancing the quality of life for those with dementia.

The research employed HyperCLOVA, a large-scale language model developed by Naver, to provide automated caregiving phone calls. Over seven months, 80 elderly patients (average age 80, 78% female) enrolled at the Seongdong-gu Dementia Relief Center in Seoul received twice-weekly calls, totaling 63 sessions. These calls delivered tailored emotional support and cognitive stimulation for patients living alone with dementia.

Professor Hee Jin Kim of the Department of Neurology at Hanyang University Hospital, who led the CLOVA CareCall dementia study. (Photo courtesy of Hanyang University Hospital)
Professor Hee Jin Kim of the Department of Neurology at Hanyang University Hospital, who led the CLOVA CareCall dementia study. (Photo courtesy of Hanyang University Hospital)


Findings revealed a significant reduction in depressive symptoms, with patients’ scores on a standardized depression scale declining from 8.5 to 6.0. Memory function also improved, with more pronounced gains in memory and attention among female participants. Patients with higher educational levels experienced less deterioration in mood and attention, suggesting that demographic factors may influence treatment outcomes.

“Cognitive and emotional engagement are vital in dementia care, beyond just medications,” Dr. Kim noted. “CLOVA CareCall represents a promising non-drug intervention to enhance patients’ well-being and quality of life.”
The research team plans to pursue long-term follow-up studies, develop individualized AI content for patients, and strengthen features to support families. The team also plans to expand access to underserved populations, aiming to address critical gaps in dementia care.

The study highlights the expanding role of AI in healthcare, offering a scalable solution to support aging populations with cognitive impairments. As South Korea grapples with a growing dementia prevalence, innovations like CLOVA CareCall could transform care delivery for vulnerable groups.

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