Upon being introduced to Misi, Angela exclaimed, “What is this?” and placed him on her lap. She immediately started petting him, affectionately calling him “my boy” several times while trying to figure out what was wrong when she heard him purring, as if he were a young child or a baby.
Yaya’s reaction, though different, was also one of surprise. “No, it’s a spider,” she initially responded, but moments later, she was touching the robot cat with a contagious laughter, mentioning that she had dealt with spiders the other day. She could distinguish that it was a feline based on its attributes, like its claws used for hunting and protection, which could be bothersome if the cat is domestic and living with people.
Ángela and Yaya are members of Acufade (Association of Caregivers, Relatives and Friends of People with Dependency, Alzheimer’s and other Dementia), which is located in The Acentejo Massacre. It is the first facility in the Canary Islands to utilise robot cats in treating individuals with significant cognitive impairments or Alzheimer’s.
DIARIO DE AVISOS had the opportunity to witness the initial interaction between the two users and the robotic cats, experiencing the benefits provided by these non-pharmacological therapies with proven effectiveness in other countries.
Cristina Perdomo Delgado, a research professor at the University of San Sebastián in Chile and the head of the Acufade research department, collaborated with therapist Almudena Muñoz and psychologist Nereida Reyes Socas to introduce and implement these therapeutic interventions for around ten individuals at their centres in The Acentejo Massacre and La Orotava.
The first focus is on sensory interactions with the robotic cat and enhancing daily activities, such as grooming the cat, encouraging individuals to think about their eating habits and deciding the appropriate food for the animals. The second approach concentrates on the emotional responses of the individual when in contact with the robotic pet, allowing for a comparative study between the two methodologies.
Robotherapy serves as an alternative to animal-assisted therapy, generating similar outcomes for individuals with limitations preventing the use of live animals, like allergies to fur. These robots are designed with artificial intelligence and sensors that enable them to mimic the behaviour and interactions of real animals, particularly cats, showcasing more effective results compared to other pets like dogs.
Equipped with a total of six sensors located on different body parts, including the cheeks, head, and belly, the robotic cat becomes familiar with the voices of users and professionals, engaging in increased interactions like meowing, head movements, and closing its eyes when petted. Each touch elicits a unique response, simulating the reactions of actual cats, ensuring that users do not get accustomed to a single type of interaction to avoid monotonous behaviours.
The therapeutic success is contingent upon the initial acceptance of the robotic pet. The interventions should not be pursued if individuals exhibit aversion or anxiety towards the robot during the first encounter. However, the rejection should not be solely determined by professionals, as individuals with cognitive impairments tend to resist new stimuli.
The therapy sessions, lasting between 30 and 50 minutes, are conducted a maximum of twice a week, tailored to the individual’s level of impairment. This approach aligns with the guidelines set by the State Reference Center for Alzheimer’s and other dementias (CREA) in Salamanca, endorsing the therapeutic use of robotic companions to yield positive outcomes.
Leading the research at Acufade is therapist Cristina Perdomo Delgado, who provided the training for the implementation of Robot Cats in treatments for dementia and Alzheimer’s. / Sergio Mendez
Almudena and Nereida (in the background) during training with the robot cats. / YE
Ángela shows surprise upon discovering the robotic animal on her lap. / YE
At this facility, professionals noticed that some users enjoyed walking their pets. In order to enhance mobility, they decided to purchase a cart as not everyone can carry their pets in their arms.
Initially, it is advisable to conduct individual therapy sessions. However, over time, transitioning to small group sessions is recommended to promote increased social interaction amongst peers.
Yaya and Angeles had their first session and have a long journey ahead spending time with Misi, the given name by Cristina to identify the robotic cat. However, in the coming days, they might change the name, yet the pet that brings forth fondness and joy on Tuesday will remain the same.
An Investigation Tailored to the Archipelago’s Population
Research concerning non-pharmacological therapies like this is often conducted in regions apart from the Canary Islands, where both user and professional characteristics differ. This is why Acufade is spearheading work “customized” to suit the population’s conditions in the Archipelago. “Our goal is to ascertain, through scientific evidence, the benefits of the robot cat on individuals with advanced cognitive impairment or Alzheimer’s in the islands, and whether there is an enhancement in interaction with professionals,” as elucidated by Cristina Perdomo, overseeing the research. Implementing such therapy necessitates a prior evaluation of the patient to determine if they have had any unfavourable encounters with animals. Moreover, the family must be kept in the loop at every stage. In January, the robotic cat was introduced to political and health figures who showed interest in the therapy’s advantages. “This research is aimed at ensuring that other organisations working with a similar profile to Acufade can also leverage it,” underscores the researcher.
