Feasibility and acceptance of robotic care of Alzheimer's disease and related dementia. (31st December 2021) - Yuan, Fengpei
Abstract: Background: An estimated 44 million people worldwide live with Alzheimer's disease and related dementias (ADRD). There is increasing interest in using emerging technologies such as robotics and artificial intelligence to provide assistance to people living with ADRD and their caregivers. Method: We conducted an anonymous, online survey to study the public's attitude and acceptance of using a human‐like robot to assist people with ADRD. The survey was distributed via social media (e.g., Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn), emails, and Listservs. Participants above age 18 were recruited to complete the survey. After informed consent, participants watched a brief (3 minute) video, which provided examples of how humanoid robots could be used to help people with ADRD. This was followed by questions, which took approximately 10 minutes to complete and assessed perceptions of the robot's appearance and functions (e.g., companion, communication, providing entertainment, medication, emergence call). The participant could skip any questions that they do not wish to answer. Result: Inputs to the survey were collected between November 13, 2020 and January 15, 2021. During that time, 1, 004 people viewed the survey. The survey was started by 249 people from 16 different countries and districts (7 in Asia, 5 in Europe, 2 in North America, 1 in Oceania, and 1 in Africa). Ninety‐seven people dropped out before finishing all the questions and 152 people completed the survey. Among the complete responses, 11 persons reported to have dementia and 79 people had experience in providing care to ADRD patients. Among a list of robot's functions, reminding to take medicine, making emergency call, and helping to contact medical services were rated as the most important by participants with dementia. Monitoring medication and making emergency communication/alert were rated as the most important by participants with experience in dementia caregiving. Conclusion: The study presents statistical results from an anonymous online survey that collect international inputs on the use of social robots in Alzheimer's care. Results of the survey show an overall positive attitude towards using humanoid robots for people with ADRD. Results may shed insight for design and development of assistive technology in robotics and AI for ADRD.