Pilot RCT to Examine Paro Social Robot's Impact on Oxytocin, Dopamine, and Mental Well-being in Dementia

Dementia significantly impairs cognitive function and often leads to psychological distress, including loneliness and anxiety, in older adults. Current pharmacological and non-pharmacological interventions often have limited efficacy or side effects. Social robots, like Paro, offer a novel, non-pharmacological approach to provide companionship and stimulation, potentially improving mental well-being. Understanding the neurobiological underpinnings, specifically changes in oxytocin and dopamine levels, alongside heart rate variability (HRV), could elucidate the mechanisms by which such interventions exert their effects. This study aims to bridge this gap by exploring these physiological and psychological outcomes.

Researchers designed a pilot randomized controlled trial (RCT) to assess the Paro social robot intervention. The study employs a single-blind, two-parallel-group, repeated-measures design. Participants are older adults diagnosed with dementia who exhibit specific attachment styles. The intervention involves interaction with the Paro robot, with measurements taken before, during, and after the intervention period. Primary endpoints include variations in oxytocin and dopamine levels, heart rate variability (HRV), and overall mental well-being, using unspecified assays and psychological assessments.