How Robot Pets Can Help You With Loneliness and Dementia

A new study showed that participants experienced an improved mood, and over 50% of them had a slight to moderate upswing in their attention, language, and registration abilities.

Take two minutes to read, explore, and reflect. By Wendy Rose Gould & Amy Morin, LCSW, Editor-in-Chief Top of Mind How Robot Pets Are Helping Adults With Dementia    We know that snuggling up with our pets can release endorphins, calm our minds, and make us feel less anxious. A recent study, from Issues In Mental Health Nursing, has taken the concept one step further by introducing robotic cats to older adults with dementia.   Researchers gave 12 adult day care patients their own robot cat, which each patient named. Patients interacted with the cats in groups four times a week for a total of 12 sessions. Every participant experienced an improved mood, and over 50% of them had a slight to moderate upswing in their attention, language, and registration abilities.   A similar study from 2016 used robotic baby seals with dementia patients instead of robotic cats. It found that feelings of stress and anxiety were lowered among the participants, which helped reduce use of psychoactive and pain medications.   You might be thinking, "Why robots over real animals?" Robotic pets have unique benefits. The biggest is that they don't require the same level of maintenance, including feeding, watering, grooming, and cleanup. They're also more likely to be allowed into nursing homes where allergies and upkeep are a concern.       The robotic pet brings comfort, companionship and lowers stress while helping the individual relax and feel calm." — HOLLY SCHIFF, PSYD What This Means For You Research on the use of robotic pets is still underway, but early findings tell us that there are some worthwhile long-term benefits. Particularly for older adults with dementia. If someone in your family has dementia, consider looking into robotic pets as an option. Alternatively, consider having them spend controlled time living with pets.   On the Bright Side Ways to Stay Positive This Week What's Inspiring Us If you know someone with dementia, you already understand how painful it can be to navigate every day. It's important to celebrate happy moments, too. Jolene Brackey's "Creating Moments of Joy Along the Alzheimer's Journey" helps you do exactly that.   Products to Help You Feel Your Best Curious about robotic pets? There are already a few on the market available for purchase, including Gizmo the Robotic Dog. It responds to 13 voice commands, wags its tail, makes authentic noises, and even performs tricks. There are other options that vary in appearance, ability, and cost.   This therapy "busy board" by Etsy Seller AmiToysUa is a good pick for people with dementia. It helps with fine motor skills and can help with memory, as well. Exercise your mind with these top-rated crossword puzzle books recommended by brain training experts and enthusiasts. Read These Next What Causes Alzheimer's Disease? READ NOW How Loneliness Can Affect Your Health READ NOW What Emotional Support Animals Can Do for You READ NOW Spread the Light Share the newsletter with someone you know to make their day a little brighter. SHARE We're open to suggestions! If you have any feedback about this newsletter, let us know at feedback@verywell.com.     You are receiving this newsletter because you subscribed to the Healthy Mind newsletter. If you wish to unsubscribe, please click here. If someone forwarded you this email, you can subscribe here!   A DOTDASH BRAND 28 Liberty Street, 7th Floor, New York, NY, 10005   © 2021 Verywellmind.com - All rights reserved. Privacy Policy