Effects of Intervention Using PARO on the Cognition, Emotion, Problem Behavior, and Social Interaction of Elderly People with Dementia

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: This study aims to investigate the effects of intervention using the therapeutic robot, PARO, on the cognition, emotion, problem behavior, and social interaction of elderly people with dementia. METHODS: A nonequivalent control group pretest-posttest design was used. A total of 33 elderly people with dementia living in a nursing home facility participated in the study, with 17 in the experimental group and 16 in the control group. The intervention program with PARO was administered twice a week for 6 weeks, for a total of 12 sessions. Data were collected before and after intervention, using a questionnaire, direct observation, and video recording. RESULTS: There were statistically significant differences in positive emotions and problem behaviors between the groups. The experimental group demonstrated a significant improvement in social interaction. CONCLUSION: PARO intervention can be utilized as an effective nursing intervention to increase positive emotions and social interaction, as well as decrease problem behaviors, in elderly people with dementia living in nursing home facilities.