Using a robot to help engage older adults with cognitive impairments in care facilities
Impact of a Novel Socially Assistive Robotic Architecture on Engaging Older Adults with Mild Cognitive Impairment, Alzheimer's Disease, and Related Dementia in Long Term Care Settings
This study is exploring how a friendly robot named ARIA can help older adults with memory issues, like Alzheimer's, feel more engaged and active in their care homes, making their lives better while also helping the staff.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Vanderbilt University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Nashville, UNITED STATES) |
| Project ID | NIH-10784765 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research investigates the use of a socially assistive robot, named ARIA, to engage older adults suffering from Mild Cognitive Impairment, Alzheimer's disease, and related dementias in long-term care settings. The robot is designed to interact with residents in a way that promotes social, physical, and cognitive activities, addressing issues of apathy that are common in these populations. By providing meaningful engagement, the robot aims to improve the quality of life for residents while alleviating the burden on care staff. The approach is innovative as it leverages technology to enhance interaction and support for individuals with cognitive challenges.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are older adults residing in long-term care facilities who have been diagnosed with Mild Cognitive Impairment, Alzheimer's disease, or related dementias.
Not a fit: Patients who are not in long-term care settings or those without cognitive impairments may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could significantly improve the quality of life for older adults with cognitive impairments by increasing their engagement and reducing feelings of isolation.
How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown promise in using robotic interventions for engaging older adults, indicating that this approach could be effective.
Where this research is happening
Nashville, UNITED STATES
- Vanderbilt University — Nashville, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Sarkar, Nilanjan — Vanderbilt University
- Study coordinator: Sarkar, Nilanjan
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.