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

## TL;DR

A study found that using a baby seal robot called PARO three times a week in dementia care facilities significantly reduced caregiver burden, though it did not significantly improve dementia symptoms.

## Contribution

This study is the first to evaluate PARO's effectiveness in dementia care with minimal caregiver involvement and varying usage frequencies.

## Key findings

- Thrice-weekly PARO sessions significantly reduced caregiver burden (LS mean: −3.29, p = 0.030).
- BPSD severity showed clinically meaningful improvement but no statistical significance (adjusted LS mean: −1.98, p = 0.068).
- Higher PARO use frequency correlated with greater caregiver burden reduction and a trend toward improved BPSD severity.

## Abstract

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.

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.

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.

Increasing robot use frequency reduced the caregiver burden and demonstrated a clinically significant improvement trend in the BPSD severity.

PARO is a companion robot used in dementia care.Japanese group homes for older adults with dementia participated in the 1‐month trial.Facilities were assigned to either a once‐weekly or thrice‐weekly group.No statistical difference in BPSD severity score between groups.Significant reduction of caregiver burden in thrice‐weekly group.

PARO is a companion robot used in dementia care.

Japanese group homes for older adults with dementia participated in the 1‐month trial.

Facilities were assigned to either a once‐weekly or thrice‐weekly group.

No statistical difference in BPSD severity score between groups.

Significant reduction of caregiver burden in thrice‐weekly group.