Artificial Intelligence Essay

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is the science and art of developing machines that simulate human intelligence. AI is frequently used for routine tasks that would normally involve human skills, such as visual perception, speech-recognition, and decision making. To me, Apple's Siri application is a good example of commonly-used AI technology. AI is particularly useful in the medical field, as it has allowed for better monitoring of patients combined with a more efficient utilization of resources. One way that it has done so is by using AI to replace human beings in certain applications. For example, a very technical application of AI is in radiology and imaging, where computers can be used to read imaging reports, eliminating the risk of human error, and allowing diagnosis prior to when a human doctor could detect human abnormalities (AAAI, 2013). However, applications like that one could be accomplished through traditional programming that may or may not fall under the rubric of AI. Instead, for most people the concept of AI incorporates more than mirroring human intellect; it also seeks to replicate some of the emotional processes involved in human thought. It is in this replacement of emotion that may offer the most promising medical advances for artificial intelligence.

One of the clinical settings where AI may be most useful is in the nursing home or assisted living environment (AAAI, 2013).For example, AI can be used for monitoring people, especially those with cognitive impairment, to provide them with as much independence as possible. For example, a simple application of AI includes tools that cut off kitchen appliances, irons, and other features that could be dangerous help facilitate independence, which can be critical even for people living in assisted living or skilled nursing environments. More complicated tools using AI monitor the health condition of seniors, alerting healthcare providers when vital signs indicate a need for intervention. These uses are well-established ways of using AI in the skilled nursing or assisted living environment.

However, one of the most critical components of care for the aging population is the maintenance of mental health. Furthermore, loneliness is a challenge that faces those who have moved away from their traditional homes and into skilled nursing or assisted living facilities. Oftentimes these moves occur after the death of a spouse and involve moving away from friends, family, and routine activities. In addition, depending on the availability of skilled are in certain communities, these moves may require people to become displaced from their communities. Families may have to make difficult decisions about the appropriate placement for family members, choosing facilities that are further away from family in….....