Background: Technologies such as assistive devices and social robots show promise in supporting people with dementia and their caregivers. However, their long-term cost-effectiveness remains unclear, and existing health-economic models are limited in capturing the relevant outcomes. Objective: This study aims to conceptualize a health-economic model to assess the potential impact of care technologies in dementia care on lifetime quality of life and care use. Methods: We summarized an impact pathway of three care technologies and conceptualized a health-economic model to estimate the long-term impact on quality of life and care use, drawing on literature and multidisciplinary expert input. Results: We conceptualized a cohort-based Markov state-transition model simulating states of dementia severity progression (mild, moderate, severe), care setting transitions (no formal care, home care, nursing home), and mortality. Intervention effects are modeled through surrogate outcomes such as functional status and caregiver burden associated to care transitions and quality of life. Conclusions: This model offers a framework for early health technology assessment of assistive technologies in dementia, supporting extrapolation of effects beyond limited trial data. Future work should focus on developing and operationalizing this model, applying it to establish the value of dementia care technologies.

This doctoral research aims to enhance the Quality of Life (QoL) of People with Dementia (PwD) by developing a personalized musical robot to provide support through music and reminiscence activities. Our research is dedicated to creating and facilitating meaningful activities, while reducing agitation and improving PwD’s mood. Key studies include the development of a music recommender system based on episodic memories, robotic assistance in daily activities through schedule-related music, and collaborative storytelling involving the PwD and their informal caregivers. These interventions are intended to support emotional regulation and communication. This PhD is part of the QoLEAD project, which integrates multidisciplinary research to bridge the gap between AI and warm care in dementia.