Therapeutic Effectiveness of PARO Companion Robot for Elderly With Mild Cognitive Impairment/Dementia in Elderly Residential Setting: A Quasi-experimental Study

The main trial is a 2-group quasi-experimental trial of comparing the outcome indicators between joining and not joining the 10-week personal assistive robot (PARO) training program in residents with dementia or mild cognitive impairment (MCI). The study questions are as follows: Primary study questions: i. Can participation of the 10-week PARO training program reduce neuropsychiatric symptoms at week 10? ii. Can participation of the 10-week PARO training program reduce loneliness at week 10? Secondary study questions: iii. Can participation of PARO training session reduce pulse rate (as an indicator of stress and anxiety)? iv. Can participation of PARO training session improve oxygen saturation (as an indicator of stress and anxiety)? v. What are the participants' emotions and engagement in PARO training sessions? Auxiliary study questions: vi. Can participation of the 10-week PARO training program reduce neuropsychiatric symptoms at week 14? vii. Can participation of the 10-week PARO training program reduce loneliness at week 14? viii. Can participation of the 10-week PARO training program improve quality of life at week 10? ix. Can participation of the 10-week PARO training program improve quality of life at week 14? x. Can participation of the 10-week PARO training program improve sleep quality at week 10? xi. Can participation of the 10-week PARO training program improve sleep quality at week 14? xii. Can participation of the 10-week PARO training program improve cognitive functioning at week 10? xiii. Can participation of the 10-week PARO training program improve cognitive functioning at week 14? xiv. What are the feelings, satisfaction, and acceptance of PARO of the participants and PARO facilitators?