Animal-assisted or Robot-assisted Interventions in Health Promotion for Elderly With Dementia

Animal-assisted or Robot-assisted Interventions in Health Promotion for Elderly With Dementia: Impact on Factors Related to the Risk of Falls, on Evidence Based Practice and on the Relatives' Burden

The overall research aim of this study is to investigate changes in measures related to the risk of falls among elderly with dementia participating in animal-assisted or robot-assisted interventions. In addition the study will investigate how knowledge transfer occurs among involved health personnel, and how knowledge is refined and transformed as practical competence. The design will be a prospective and cluster randomized multicenter trial, but mixed-methods will be used to target different outcomes. The study population will be elderly (age above 65) at nursing homes diagnosed with dementia, or having a cognitive deficit. The intervention will consist of 30 minutes sessions with animal-assisted activity or robot-assisted activity two times a week for 12 weeks in groups of 4-6 participants. Control groups will receive treatment as usual. Research questions: Is there an effect in use of ordinary and optional medication among elderly persons with dementia at nursing homes participating in animal-assisted or robot-assisted interventions compared to a control group? Is there an effect on agitation, restlessness and depression among elderly persons with dementia at nursing homes participating in animal-assisted or robot-assisted interventions compared to a control group? Is there an effect on social interaction, activeness and wellbeing among elderly persons with dementia at nursing homes participating in animal-assisted or robot-assisted interventions compared to a control group?

30 minutes group session with animal-assisted activity twice a week for 12 weeks in groups of 4-6 participants.

30 minutes group session with robot-assisted activity with the robot seal Paro twice a week for 12 weeks in groups of 4-6 participants

Second last or last week before the intervention starts, after 4 and 8 weeks of the intervention, and first or second week after end of intervention. A follow-up measure 3 months after end of the intervention

Second last or last week before the intervention starts, after 4 and 8 weeks of the intervention, and first or second week after end of intervention. A follow-up measure 3 months after end of the intervention

Second last og last week before the intervention starts, after 6 weeks of the intervention, and first or second week after end of intervention. A follow-up measure 3 months after end of the intervention

Second last or last week before the intervention starts, after 6 weeks of the intervention, and first or second week after end of intervention.

A device worn by the participants for one week at each time point of measure, night and day, measuring physical movement.

Second last or last week before the intervention starts, after 6 weeks of the intervention, and first or second week after end of intervention

Second last or last week before the intervention starts, first or second week after end of intervention and 3 months after end of intervention

Inclusion Criteria: - Diagnosis of dementia or having a cognitive deficit measured as a score less than 25 on Mini-Mental State Examination. Exclusion Criteria: Fear of dogs Dog allergy Need of wheel chair

Joranson N, Pedersen I, Rokstad AM, Ihlebaek C. Change in quality of life in older people with dementia participating in Paro-activity: a cluster-randomized controlled trial. J Adv Nurs. 2016 Dec;72(12):3020-3033. doi: 10.1111/jan.13076. Epub 2016 Aug 16. Erratum In: J Adv Nurs. 2017 Jun;73(6):1531.