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Health September 2019

The Little Robots Patients Love

By Frances C. Hansen

Sundowner's syndrome –  where the patient changes personality in the night time – could be better controlled. I once had a lady with this ailment throw an empty bedpan at me in the middle of the night. Her delirium might have been restrained if she had a little purring pet to comfort her.

The sound of "meow" or a barking pup is no longer strange in some nursing homes. Why? Some clever person decided to create a purring cat and a barking puppy robot, or in Japan  where this all started, even a white baby seal pup! The robotic animals are used to help dementia patients.

The surrogate pets calm the humans as they hold them, brush them, and talk to them. The animals can stay all night with the clients; they help them to settle down, find pleasure and relaxation. The emotional connection that is made eases the loneliness and agitation of patients with dementia and Alzheimer’s. When there are behavioral issues with the patient, one of these robots can make all the difference.

The “pets” come in assorted colors with fur coated with an antibacterial type of spray.  They are manufactured with artificial intelligence, which enables them to wink, turn their head, wag their tail, and open and close their mouth. Some have a heartbeat to make them sound more real.

In a home setting, these pets can even remind the person of important things such as taking their meds. Sleep is promoted, as a result of oxytocin release. This hormone – sometimes known as the "cuddle hormone" or the "love hormone," because it is released when people snuggle up or bond socially – plays a major role in bonding socially. It has even helped some with autism who had a fear of others to function better.

In hospitals these days, patients can be visited by service dogs. I was once visited by a great dane, and more recently, a full-size poodle. It was a high spot in the day and most likely helped with my recovery in a positive way. I also held onto a pet sloth – a stuffed animal that my grandson gave me. I even talked to it while in the intensive care unit. The comfort it gave me was astounding. Imagine what a robotic animal could do!

My mother, who suffered in a nursing home due to her decreased mentation capabilities, was sent to the behavioral ward when she was more difficult to deal with. Many elderly with this are put on medications like Xanax, a sedative which helps calm them and puts many to sleep. Most can be seen at the table with their head drooping onto their chest as a result of it. Alternatively, it has been found that the robotic animals put  patients at wakeful peace as they interact physically and mentally with the pets.

As a nurse, I am reminded of many patients who would have benefited from the visit of a therapy dog, or being able to hold on to a robotic pet. It would have made a huge difference – instead of someone practically climbing the walls from drug-induced anxiety, they would have companionship and stay tranquil. Sundowner's syndrome –  where the patient changes personality in the night time – could be better controlled. I once had a lady with this ailment throw an empty bedpan at me in the middle of the night. Her delirium might have been restrained if she had a little purring pet to comfort her.

The spontaneity of having a cat or dog jump up on your lap may be decreased, but do those with dementia really need such surprises? What they do need is something that helps combat the isolated feelings they have. They don't need the risks and responsibilities that come with owning a real pet. The robotic pets can help them initiate conversation with others. The activity is stimulating in a positive way and is worthwhile for the relatives as well. I'd rather see my parent happy and content instead of falling asleep in his or her chair, or being belligerent as happens with many of these patients. In fact, maybe I'll put my order in ahead of time in case I'm in this position someday!    

 

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