A Randomized Trial Using PARO with Minimal Caregiver Involvement on Older Adults with Dementia in Group Homes

INTRODUCTION: PARO, a baby seal robot, has shown promise in addressing behavioral and psychological symptoms of dementia (BPSD) in clinical settings. However, little is known about PARO's benefits when used independently of health professionals. This study examined that scenario in older adults with dementia. METHODS: Applying a cluster-randomized design, we randomly assigned six facilities to once- or thrice-weekly self-directed PARO sessions for a month. BPSD severity and caregiver burden scores of the Neuropsychiatric Inventory Brief Questionnaire were measured. RESULTS: Findings from 85 participants indicated a significant reduction in caregiver burden in the thrice-weekly group (least-squares [LS] mean: -3.29, 95% confidence interval [CI]: [-6.26, -0.32], p = 0.030). For BPSD severity, while clinically meaningful improvement was observed, no significant difference was found (adjusted LS mean: -1.98, 95% CI: [-4.10, 0.15], p = 0.068) due to insufficient statistical power. DISCUSSION: Increasing robot use frequency reduced the caregiver burden and demonstrated a clinically significant improvement trend in the BPSD severity.