Use of a Robotic Seal as a Therapeutic Tool to Improve Dementia Symptoms: A Cluster-Randomized Controlled Trial

Moyle, Wendy; Jones, Cindy J.; Murfield, Jenny E.; Thalib, Lukman; Beattie, Elizabeth R.A.; Shum, David K.H.; O'Dwyer, Siobhan T.; Mervin, M. Cindy; Draper, Brian M.

doi:10.1016/j.jamda.2017.03.018

Use of a Robotic Seal as a Therapeutic Tool to Improve Dementia Symptoms: A Cluster-Randomized Controlled Trial

OBJECTIVES To test the effects of individual, nonfacilitated sessions with PARO (version 9), when compared against a look-alike plush toy and usual care, on the emotional and behavioral symptoms of dementia for people living in long-term care facilities. DESIGN Parallel, 3-group, cluster-randomiz…