Effectiveness of Companion Robot Care for Dementia: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Abstract

Background and Objectives Dementia and central nervous system degeneration are common problems in aging societies with regard to the number of people affected and total medical expenses. Socially assistive robotic (SAR) technology has gradually matured; currently, most scholars believe it can be used as companions in long-term care facilities and worked as caregivers alongside staffs to improve the social interaction and mental state of older adults and patients with dementia. Therefore, this study measured the effect of the duration of exposure to SAR in older adults with dementia. Research Design and Methods Seven databases were searched up to February 2019 through the consultation of appropriate Internet sites and use of criteria lists recommended by relevant experts. Randomized controlled trials comparing SAR use with a control group in older adults with dementia and using at least one of the primary outcomes of agitation, depression, and quality of life were included. Results Thirteen RCTs were identified from 873 articles, 7 of which were included in the meta-analysis. The pooled effect estimate from 3 trials with 214 participants revealed that the pet-type robot improved patients’ agitation level, with a standardized mean difference of −0.37 (95% CI: −0.64 to −0.10, P < .01) and no heterogeneity (I 2 = 0%). The results also revealed that length of each session and pet-type robot exposure time per week were associated with reduced depression levels (β = −0.06, Q = 21.213, df = 1, P = < .001 and β = −0.019, Q = 7.532, df = 1, P < .01, respectively). However, the results for quality of life were nonsignificant. Discussion and Implications Pet-type robot systems seem to be a potential activity in long-term care facilities for dementia care. Further research is warranted to establish a comprehensive intervention plan related to the use of pet-type robots.

Technology for dementia care: benefits, opportunities and concerns

“…Systematic reviews and meta-analyses of technology usage in dementia care show that observed patient satisfaction is less than expected. 14,15 Encouraging patients and care-takers to audit a product or service before adopting it (Figure 1) can lessen this expectation gap. Secondly, it is essential to understand the nature of the gap (technical or conceptual) and improve the products and services accordingly.…”

The Impact of Robotic Companion Pets on Depression and Loneliness for Older Adults with Dementia During the COVID-19 Pandemic

“…In the study by Lu et al (2021) , the researchers reviewed literature on the effectiveness of using robot care for people with dementia measuring agitation, depression, and QOL. When the people with dementia were exposed and engaged with pet-type robotics, the researchers found these type of pets stimulate interaction and had a positive effect on depression in people with dementia ( Lu et al, 2021 ). The researchers suggested additional studies be conducted in the field of pet-type robotics for use in therapy programs.…”

Interaction Matters: The Effect of Touching the Social Robot PARO on Pain and Stress is Stronger When Turned ON vs. OFF

“…Shibata (2010) (Shibata, 2010) developed a social robot named PARO, a furry robotic animal in the shape of a baby seal. It has been found that interaction with PARO reduces stress and anxiety, increases positive emotions and reduces pain levels (Wada et al, 2005;Wada and Shibata, 2007;Moyle et al, 2013;Lu et al, 2021). It should be noted that the participants in all these studies were older adults with dementia or children.…”