Using a robot to support caregivers of Alzheimer's patients
Robot-based Information and Support to Enhance Alzheimer's Caregiver Health (RISE)
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 ID | NIH-10885433 on NIH RePORTER |
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.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are family members or friends who are primary caregivers for individuals with Alzheimer's disease or related dementias.
Not a fit: Patients who are not involved in caregiving roles or those who do not have a caregiver may not benefit from this research.
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 performed: 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
Knoxville, United States
- University of Tennessee Knoxville — Knoxville, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Zhou, Wenjun — University of Tennessee Knoxville
- Study coordinator: Zhou, Wenjun
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.