Social robotics to support older people with dementia: a study protocol with Paro seal robot in an Italian Alzheimer's day center.

Journal: Frontiers in public health
Published Date:

Abstract

INTRODUCTION: The aging of the population and the high incidence of those over 80 lead to an inevitable increase in chronic degenerative diseases, such as dementia, resulting in increased morbidity and disability. Treatment of people with dementia involves both pharmacological and non-pharmacological interventions. In particular, robot-assisted therapy is a potentially useful treatment for dementia as it has the advantage of improving mood, encouraging social interaction and communication. The overall objective of the study is to evaluate the improvement in patient-perceived quality of life following the use of the Paro robot integrated with usual care in the older people with dementia.

Authors

  • Roberta Bevilacqua
    Laboratorio di Bioinformatica, Bioingegenria e Domotica, Istituto Nazionale di Riposo e Cura per Anziani, Ancona, Italy.
  • Elvira Maranesi
    Clinical Unit of Physical Rehabilitation, IRCCS INRCA, Ancona, Italy.
  • Elisa Felici
    Laboratorio di Bioinformatica, Bioingegenria e Domotica, Istituto Nazionale di Riposo e Cura per Anziani, Ancona, Italy.
  • Arianna Margaritini
    Scientific Direction, IRCCS INRCA, 60124 Ancona, Italy.
  • Giulio Amabili
    IRCCS INRCA Scientific Direction, 60124 Ancona, Italy.
  • Federico Barbarossa
    Scientific Direction, IRCCS INRCA, 60124 Ancona, Italy.
  • Anna Rita Bonfigli
    Scientific Direction, IRCCS INRCA, Ancona, Italy.
  • Giuseppe Pelliccioni
    Neurology Unit, IRCCS INRCA, Ancona, Italy.
  • Lucia Paciaroni
    Neurology Unit, IRCCS INRCA, Ancona, Italy.