Robotic Companion Pets and Seniors With Dementia in Nursing Homes

Abstract

Alzheimer's disease causes irreversible, progressive degenerative brain changes that may lead to unpredictable behaviors and profound cognitive, memory, problem-solving, and communication difficulties (Alzheimer's Association [AA], 2019b,2019c; National Institute on Aging, 2019). Those who are affected gradually lose their ability to read a newspaper, drive a vehicle, and even feed themselves, causing the need for a full-time caregiver. Aging is the leading risk factor for diagnosis; however, aging does not cause the disease, nor is diagnosis a normal process of aging (AA, 2019a; World Health Organization, 2017). Significance of the Problem Nearly 5.5 million American seniors suffer from Alzheimer's disease and consume approximately $235 billion of all annual health care dollars spent (Alzheimer's News Today, 2019; Alzheimers.net, 2019; Office of Disease Prevention and Health Promotion, 2019). One in every 10 seniors is diagnosed, with another diagnosed every 65 seconds (AA, 2019c; Alzheimer's Disease International [ADI], 2019). Even so, Alzheimer's disease could be much more pervasive, as only one in four people affected is diagnosed (Alzheimers.net, 2019). The World Health Organization (2019) predicted that the 2012 census will double by 2050, and the U.S. Census Bureau (2014) estimated that more than 80 million people in the world will be 65 years and older. As a result, diagnosis is expected to nearly triple to 14 million Americans and 135 million people globally (Alzheimers.net, 2019; Valenti-Soler et al., 2015; World Health Organization, 2019). Not surprisingly, Alzheimer's disease made the top 10 list of leading causes of death in 2004 (Elsevier, 2005). In 2015, the death toll rose 55% over 15 years, with Alzheimer's disease responsible for one in every three deaths in the United States (AA, 2018; Centers for Disease Control and Prevention [CDC], 2017). Although deaths from Alzheimer's disease declined in medical facilities, home deaths increased from 14% to 25% (CDC, 2017). Therefore, the need for caregivers also steadily increased, as well as the stresses of providing 24-hour care (CDC, 2017). As a result, care and safety services are provided by adult day care centers, home health agencies, residential communities, hospice agencies, and skilled nursing facilities (CDC, 2016). Problem of Interest Researchers found that depression frequently leads to worsening cognitive decline, thus increased disability, and dependence on caregivers (Mayo Clinic, 2019). In addition, brain changes related to dementia commonly lead to a decrease in serotonin and norepinephrine, further leading to increased depressive symptoms (Medical News Today, 2019). Caregivers also suffer from compassion fatigue due to 18.5 billion hours of unpaid caregiving services provided annually (AA, 2019c). Individuals diagnosed often experience symptoms of depression, including social isolation and withdrawal, impaired concentration, anxiety, decreased activity, expressed feelings of sadness, and/or anorexia (AA, 2019b; ADI, 2019; Alzheimer's Society, 2019). Without interventions, those who are affected will experience increased depressive symptoms. Researchers found that using robotic companion pets improved general mood and behaviors. However, gaps in the literature warranted more studies. Therefore, this scholarly project was conducted to evaluate whether seniors diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease or dementia and residing in a nursing home would experience an improved sense of well-being after an intervention with a robotic companion pet, especially during a pandemic. Review of Literature A review of literature was conducted. A synthesis of studies revealed that most, if not all, individuals diagnosed experienced some type of neuropsychiatric symptoms (Demange et al., 2018; Olsen et al., 2016). Subsequently, neuropsychiatric symptoms were associated with a decline in the quality-of-life and well-being scores and increased social withdrawal (Joranson et al