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Gallup. (2023, January 9). What are the 34 CliftonStrengths themes?. Gallup.com. https://www.gallup.com/cliftonstrengths/en/253715/34-cliftonstrengths-themes.aspx

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Galoustian, G. (2021, October 27). Cat’s meow: Robotic pet boosts mood, cognition in adults with dementia. Florida Atlantic University. https://www.fau.edu/newsdesk/articles/robotic-pet-cat-dementia.php

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Hastings, C. (2021, October 28). Robotic cat improves mood and cognition for people with dementia. Medgadget. https://www.medgadget.com/2021/10/robotic-cat-improves-mood-and-cognition-for-people-with-dementia.html

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Five of my top strengths identified by the Clifton StrengthsFinder test include: input, connectedness, learner, ideation, and intellection. My input strength encourages me to always look for more information and to collect data for the sake of knowledge. My connectedness gives me a deep bond with those around me and a sense of responsibility to others. Being a learner means that I enjoy the process of gaining current information, exploring new things that interest me and taking on new tasks or projects. Ideation, for me, means that an idea opens a door to new possibilities and allows for connections between people or problems. I think of intellection as continually sharpening the skill of thinking; I like to take time in solving problems and examining situations so that I can have all the information needed to make a clear decision. I can use all of these to prepare for, connect with, and inspire a team.

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The aim of the study by LaRose et al (2021) was to see if therapeutic interactive pets (TIP) could be effective in improving mood, behavior, and cognition amongst twelve persons with mild-moderate dementia at an adult day center across twelve visits. Galoustian (2021) reports for the Florida Atlantic University where the research originated and she provides some insight into the perspective of the participants. Patients were informed that the cats were robotic. They picked which cat they wanted, named the cat, and received nametags and collars for their new robotic cats. The cats had the ability to respond to stimuli and the participants stroked and spoke to their cats. One participants shared, “The cat is looking at me like someone who listens to me and loves me” (Galoustian, 2021).

LaRose et al (2021) report that, in this pilot study, mood and behavior improved across all tested metrics. While the Mini Mental State Examination scores did improve in the majority of participants, other factors may have been contributing to this rather than the TIP directly (LaRose et al, 2021). Hastings (2021) notes some of the key reasons this is promising when he points out the usual treatment methods and risks for associated with many medication for mood regulation in the elderly. Additionally, using robotic pets removes risk of allergies and injury to the owner as noted by Galoustian (2021). Furthermore, robotic pets require no demand on the owner. This is important particularly for those with dementia as cognitive decline could be a contraindication to give someone the responsibility of a live animal if no one else can care for it or if that is more work for the caregiver. The use of TIPs balances the benefit of the animal with the abilities of the client and caregivers.

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-        Improved mood

-        Possible improvement in cognition

-        Hypoallergenic

-        Low-maintenance

-        Non-pharmacologic
-        Decreased caregiver burden

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-        Potentially costly

-        Not customizable currently
-        Potentially disorienting or distressing to some patient
-        Fire or electrical hazards specifically with water if patient tried to bathe pet or feed pet

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Robotic Cat Improves Mood and Cognition for People with Dementia

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Robotic Cat Improves Mood and Cognition for People with Dementia

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Published October 28th, 2021 by MedGadget.com
Written by Conn Hasting, PhD
https://www.medgadget.com/2021/10/robotic-cat-improves-mood-and-cognition-for-people-with-dementia.html

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A research team at Florida Atlantic University has tested a robotic cat in its ability to influence the mood and cognition of patients with dementia. The furry device moves and make realistic noises, and can provide a source of companionship and entertainment for patients, without the commitment of caring for a real animal. As patients with dementia can experience psychological symptoms, such as anxiety and depression, the technology represents a low impact intervention that avoids the potential side-effects of pharmacological treatment.

Dementia is extremely challenging for those who live with it, as well as for their family and caregivers. Unsurprisingly, patients with dementia often experience psychological symptoms, including anxiety, aggression, and depression. At present, these are often treated using drugs, including benzodiazepines and antidepressants, but such treatments carry a risk of side-effects.

"Since there is no cure for dementia, our project offers a way to address symptoms naturally and without the use of pharmacological treatments, which may or may not be effective and have possible detrimental side effects," said Bryanna Streit LaRose, a researcher involved in the study.

This latest technique is based on pet therapy, in which interaction with pets, such as cats or dogs, can provide psychological benefits for patients. However, simply releasing a herd of dogs or cats into a care center sounds like a recipe for chaos and disaster, and patients with dementia may not be equipped to care for the needs of a live animal.

These researchers hit on robotics as a solution, whereby a robotic animal could provide the benefits of pet therapy without the complications of live animals. Their device is based on a real cat. It can be stroked and in-turn it interacts with patients by moving and making realistic noises.

In a field trial, the researchers tested the cat in a care home for adults with dementia. Each participant received their own cat, and most enjoyed interacting with the robots.

"In addition to improving mood, behaviors and cognition, these robotic pet cats provided our participants with an alternative way to express themselves," said Lisa Kirk Wiese, another researcher involved in the study. "Importantly, improving overall mood and behavior in individuals with Alzheimer's disease and related dementias may also improve quality of life for their caregivers and family members."

See a video about the project below.

Study in journal Issues in Mental Health Nursing: Improving Behavioral and Psychological Symptoms and Cognitive Status of Participants With Dementia Through the Use of Therapeutic Interactive Pets

Via: Florida Atlantic University

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Robotic Cat Improves Mood and Cognition for People with Dementia |

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A research team at Florida Atlantic University has tested a robotic cat in its ability to influence the mood and cognition of patients with dementia. The

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Cat's Meow: Robotic Pet Boosts Mood, Cognition in Adults with Dementia

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Cat's Meow: Robotic Pet Boosts Mood, Cognition in Adults with Dementia

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Published October 27th, 2021 by Florida Atlantic University
Written by Gisele Galoustian
https://www.fau.edu/newsdesk/articles/robotic-pet-cat-dementia.php

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Research Footage of an Interactive, Robotic Pet Cat

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I feel that the use of robotic therapeutic animals for elderly patients with dementia will be an improvement and strategy used more widely in the coming years. Moreover, I think this will be used for other areas outside of dementia but were traditional therapy pets cannot go as easily. Many oncology patients cannot be exposed to pathogens that could be present in animals. Children with severe asthma may be allergic to dogs and cats but could benefit from these robotic pets particularly in the hospital setting.

For the elderly patients, many medication for depression and anxiety fall under the Beers Criteria list as medication to avoid (American Geriatric Society, 2023). Therefore, prescribers are often limited on treatment options and my weigh risks and benefits closely. Having non-pharmacologic options more widely used will lessen the risk of adverse side effects from medication.

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My strengths that tend towards seeing the big picture and relationship building. I can motivate people towards the goal and help them understand their part in the team. Still, team members should be highly detail oriented and professional. I am looking for team members with strengths in the Executing and Strategic Thinking themes as defined by Gallup (2023). Specifically, I feel that Focus, Consistency, Arranger, Achiever, or Strategic strengths would be well suited to help follow through on plans, stay on track, understand the vision for the project (Gallup, 2023).

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LaRose, B. S., Wiese, L. K., & de los Ángeles Ortega Hernández, M. (2021). Improving behavioral and psychological symptoms and cognitive status of participants with dementia through the use of Therapeutic Interactive Pets. Issues in Mental Health Nursing, 43(4), 330–343. https://doi.org/10.1080/01612840.2021.1979142

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Improving Behavioral and Psychological Symptoms and Cognitive Status of Participants with Dementia Through the Use of Therapeutic Interactive Pets

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Improving Behavioral and Psychological Symptoms and Cognitive Status of Participants with Dementia Through the Use of Therapeutic Interactive Pets

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Published October 13th, 2021 by Issues in Mental Health Nursing
Written by Bryanna Streit LaRose,DNP, APRN, AGNP-BC; Lisa Kirk Wiese, PhD, RN, PHNA-BC, CNE; & María de los Ángeles Ortega Hernández, DNP, APRN, GNP-BC, PMHNP-BC, FAANP, FAAN
https://doi.org/10.1080/01612840.2021.1979142

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Alice – Achiever – Executing

Alice would benefit the team with a drive to finish the job. As an achiever, she has an inner desire to see the tasks assigned to fruition.

Abraham – Arranger – Executing

Abraham brings coordination to the team. He has the ability to see the best way to efficiently with the available resources.

Carlee – Consistency – Executing

Carlee would be an asset in setting up policies and protocols for the project. With the consistency strength, she can create fair processes that maintain the integrity of the project.

Fernando – Focus – Executing

Fernando has the focus to keep the group on track. When many options are available or time is being wasted, he would be able to bring back the pressure of the immediate.

Sheila – Strategic – Strategic Thinking

Sheila is the only other non-executing person on the team. She is primarily for creative thinking, problem solving, and finding the next right plan when new opportunities arise.