Robot-Assisted Cognitive Training for Lonely Older Adults With Mild Cognitive Impairment

What Is This Study About?

Socially assistive robots are used to provide emotional and task support for people. This study will test whether piano lessons delivered by a socially assistive robot improve cognitive function and reduce loneliness in socially isolated older adults with mild cognitive impairment. Participants will be randomly assigned to piano lessons led by either a socially assistive robot or through a computer monitor. All participants will receive a keyboard, music stand, and piano bench for practice during the study. Researchers will measure levels of loneliness, and cognitive function using questionnaires and keyboard skills, at the start of the study and after six months.

Do I Qualify To Participate in This Study?

Must have:

• Mild cognitive impairment with a Clinical Dementia Rating score < 0.5
• Able to speak, read, and write in English with a high degree of fluency
• Less than three years of music lessons
• Able to sit upright for two hours at a time
• Able to see images on a screen at a distance of approximately 20 inches
• Dependable transportation to and from the Institute of Gerontology at the University of Georgia for weekly study sessions
• Availability of a close companion, family member, or loved one who can attend the first and last study visit
• Safe location in the home to store and use an 88-key keyboard, with music stand and piano bench
• Have a computer or tablet that is connected to broadband internet
• Access to an e-mail account that can be checked three times during the study
• Capable of providing informed consent, based on responses to questions on study purpose, tasks, benefits, incentives, and risks

Must NOT have:

• Any previous diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease or related dementia
• Any condition that limits movement of the hands or fingers
• Significant hearing loss that is not correctable with a hearing aid

If I Qualify, Who Do I Contact?

Contact study personnel listed either under the general study contact or the location nearest you.

 

Where Is This Study Located?

Who Sponsors This Study?

Lead: University of Georgia

Collaborator Sponsor

• Applied Universal Dynamics, Corp.
• Van Robotics, Inc.

Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ID: NCT04051918