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People with dementia and robots for independence

Year:
2018
Duration:
37 months
Approved budget:
$248,490.84
Researchers:
Professor Ngaire Kerse MNZM
Health issue:
Ageing
Proposal type:
Feasibility Study
Lay summary
Older people with mild dementia are more likely to lose independence and may benefit from more physical training, cognitive stimulation and daily reassurance and reminding. Assistive technology can help to deliver such 'therapy' and quality of life may improve. This feasibility study aims to provide a robot equipped with physical and cognitive programmes, daily medication and schedule reminders, in the homes of people with mild dementia and see whether participants can manage with the robot, comparing the robot with computer tablets that have the same programmes. The main study is a randomised controlled trial of the programme delivered by a robot, a computer tablet or written diary. The impact on sedentary time, quality of life, cognition and fall free time for people with mild dementia will be measured. If quality of life, cognition and fall free activity improve, people with mild dementia may be able to stay at home.