Evaluating the Effectiveness of a Non-Pharmacological Intervention for Behavioral and Psychological Symptoms of Dementia: Associations with Neurophysiological Changes

2023 Fiscal Year Final Research Report

• Project/Area Number: 20K19260
• Research Category: Grant-in-Aid for Early-Career Scientists
• Allocation Type: Multi-year Fund
• Review Section: Basic Section 58080:Gerontological nursing and community health nursing-related
• Research Institution: Hokuriku University (2023); Kyoto Tachibana University (2020-2022)
• Principal Investigator: goda akio 北陸大学, 医療保健学部, 講師 (90823427)
• Project Period (FY): 2020-04-01 – 2024-03-31
• Keywords: 問題行動 / 非薬物療法 / コミュニケーションロボット / 神経生理学的要因 / 認知症 / 地域在住高齢者 / 介護予防 / 地域包括支援

Outline of Final Research Achievements

This study aimed to examine the effectiveness of non-pharmacological therapies in alleviating behavioral and psychological symptoms of dementia (BPSD) in elderly individuals with cognitive decline. The focus was on evaluating the short-term and long-term effects of Robot Assisted Activity (RAA). The participants were elderly individuals with cognitive impairments. During a single RAA session, it was suggested that those with cognitive decline found it difficult to experience immediate relaxation effects. However, after long-term RAA intervention (3 months), EEG analysis revealed a significant increase in the α/β power ratio in the Pz region post-intervention, indicating mental relaxation effects. These results suggest that RAA may induce positive emotions and relaxation in elderly individuals with dementia. To maximize the benefits of RAA, future efforts should focus on improving the communication robots and optimizing the intervention programs.

Free Research Field

生体医工学

Academic Significance and Societal Importance of the Research Achievements

この研究により、RAAが認知機能低下のある高齢者において精神的なリラックス効果をもたらす可能性が示された。RAAを用いた介入手法が確立されれば、認知機能低下のある高齢者の日常生活の質の向上や介護者の負担軽減に寄与する可能性がある。具体的には、RAAが対象者の問題行動を緩和し、介護者と高齢者のストレスを減らす手助けになると期待される。今後は、RAAの効果を最大限に引き出すために、コミュニケーションロボットの改良や介入プログラムの最適化が必要である。