Robotic pets help trigger happy moments in dementia patients, study finds

Fluffy, cuddly and irresistibly cute robotic pets are being used to help Australians living with dementia relax and relive happy memories.

They look, act, feel and sound like real dogs and cats but are in fact powered by batteries and electronic sensors.

Occupational therapist Madelyne Glover has overseen the rollout of the robot animals at several aged care homes across Perth.

Toby the dog and cats Marmalade and Chino have sensors inside them that replicate the behaviour of a living, breathing animal.

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“As you touch them behind the head or underneath the chin, they’ll respond and they’ll respond to your speech as well,” Ms Glover said.

“They rollover, they meow or bark depending on how you touch the pet.”

Jason Burton, head of dementia practice and innovation with Alzheimer’s WA, said the use of robotic props could help trigger happy memories in patients.

“What we’re tapping into is emotional memory,” he said.

“If we can find interactions that tap into that emotional memory of good times and times you were feeling happy, contented or caring for something, then it can bring back those long-term memories and that leads to a sense of wellbeing.”

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