The Psychosocial Effects of Artificial Intelligence Robots in Treating Alzheimer’s Disease/Dementia
Principal Investigator: Dr. Fareeda Griffith
Research Mentor: Alexa Namestnik
Paper Summary
As Alzheimer’s disease and dementia become increasingly common, efforts to improve the comfort and cognitive stability of patients are critically important. This literature review explores the psychosocial effects of using artificial intelligence (AI) companion robots in treating individuals with these conditions. Although companion robots have limitations, existing research suggests that continued development and user feedback could enhance their effectiveness. Both patients and caregivers stand to gain significant physical, mental, and emotional benefits from these technologies. However, the high cost of advanced, human-like robots restricts their accessibility, especially for patients outside residential care. The literature recommends future research comparing the mental and emotional impacts of expensive, sophisticated robots versus more affordable, budget-friendly companion pets. This comparison could help identify practical solutions that maximize benefits while addressing cost barriers, ultimately improving quality of life for a broader range of Alzheimer’s and dementia patients.

