2026-03-27 東京都立大学
図１ 認知症および軽度認知障害（MCI）の高齢者数の将来推計[1]
＜関連情報＞
- https://www.tmu.ac.jp/news/topics/38475.html
- https://alz-journals.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/alz.71163
グループホームに入居する認知症高齢者を対象に、介護者の関与を最小限に抑えたPAROを用いた無作為化比較試験 A Randomized Trial Using PARO with Minimal Caregiver Involvement on Older Adults with Dementia in Group Homes
Kaoru Inoue, Mitsunobu Kono, Ryuji Kobayashi, Chiyomi Yatsu, Daryl Patrick Gamboa Yao, Takanori Shibata, Joseph F. Coughlin, Masahiro Shigeta
Alzheimer’s & Dementia Published: 17 February 2026
DOI:https://doi.org/10.1002/alz.71163
Abstract
INTRODUCTION
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.
METHODS
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.
RESULTS
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.
DISCUSSION
Increasing robot use frequency reduced the caregiver burden and demonstrated a clinically significant improvement trend in the BPSD severity.
Highlights
- 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.
