Using a robot to support caregivers of Alzheimer's patients
Official title: Robot-based Information and Support to Enhance Alzheimer's Caregiver Health (RISE)
Funded at University of Tennessee Knoxville · NIH-10885433 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is testing a friendly robot named Pepper that helps caregivers of people with Alzheimer's by sharing helpful tips on caring for their loved ones and taking care of themselves, making their job a little easier and less stressful.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Tennessee Knoxville NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Knoxville, United States) |
| Project start | August 15, 2024 |
| Project end | July 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $401,090 |
| NIH project number | 1R21AG087192-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-10885433 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are family members or friends who are primary caregivers for individuals with Alzheimer's disease or related dementias.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not involved in caregiving roles or those who do not have a caregiver may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on developing a robot-based system called RISE, designed to assist caregivers of individuals with Alzheimer's disease and related dementias. The system utilizes advanced artificial intelligence and a social robot named Pepper to provide caregivers with vital information on care strategies, self-care, and stress management. Through interactive sessions, caregivers will engage with the robot to enhance their caregiving skills and improve their overall well-being. The project will evaluate how caregivers respond to the robot and the quality of the information provided.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could significantly improve the mental and emotional health of caregivers, leading to better care for individuals with Alzheimer's disease.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in using technology and robotics to support caregivers, indicating that this approach could be effective.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Tennessee Knoxville
Knoxville, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Zhou, Wenjun — University of Tennessee Knoxville
- Study coordinator: Zhou, Wenjun
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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.