Are robots a promising dementia-related behaviours intervention?

Robots could be an effective alternative to pharmacological options in the dementia care space with their ability to engage and calm others a potential help for dementia-related behaviours. 

Prudence Chan, Clinical Director of the Singapore-based Pacific Rehab Group, sees a strong opportunity for socially-assistive robots (SARs) in aged care settings. SARs are not designed to help or care for a resident physically, but rather, provide social engagement and support. 

She said they can provide engaging or calming social interactions to a person experiencing behaviour and psychological symptoms of dementia (BPSD).

“There is emerging evidence that social robots are capable of genuinely improving quality of life for people in long-term care,” she said.

“A person who is experiencing BPSD, like demanding to go home, can be engaged by these robots.”

Ms Chan will explore the possibility of robots becoming more involved in dementia care at the upcoming International Dementia Conference in Sydney this September. 

Bringing an international perspective on the topic, she said recent research trials in Singapore were based on the assumption that a robot will not replace real human engagement or staff involvement in caring for someone with dementia. 

But where there are staff shortages they may provide additional support and effective interventions. 

Ms Chan said that among her learnings using the prototypes was that the primary purpose of each of the different forms of social robot should be matched to the needs of the person living with dementia.

Already, we’re seeing the adoption of SARs robots in Australia, including ABI and Matilda. The general use to help aged care residents with BPSD is arguably the next step, however, as research continues in this space.

Ms Chan’s pilot uncovered some drawbacks during the trials, including concerns over privacy due to sensors and cameras that collect personal information and facial recordings. 

As Dr Fiona Kerr, Founder, NeuroTech Institute & FOCUS, recently said at the ARIIA Conference, “Technology doesn’t have to be something that is high risk. […] It can be a local network that doesn’t have to go up into the cloud. You can have local systems talking to each other that are efficient and cost-effective”. 

The trials also revealed that accurate pairings of a robot with an individual are important to ensure unique needs are met and supported. 

Cost is another challenge with one Singaporean prototype showing some success, but a high price point could be a barrier to adoption in many homes.  

Yet as more Australian residential care providers trial companion robots, including Allity, Tanunda Lutheran Home and Medical & Aged Care Group, implementation barriers are breaking down. 

Artificial intelligence accessibility is also helping, meaning there is a future where robots can be produced at scale to support people experiencing loneliness or agitation, restlessness and anxiety linked to dementia.