Animal-assisted or Robot-assisted Interventions in Health Promotion for Elderly With Dementia

The overall research aim of this study is to investigate changes in measures related to the risk of falls among elderly with dementia participating in animal-assisted or robot-assisted interventions. In addition the study will investigate how knowledge transfer occurs among involved health personnel, and how knowledge is refined and transformed as practical competence. The design will be a prospective and cluster randomized multicenter trial, but mixed-methods will be used to target different outcomes. The study population will be elderly (age above 65) at nursing homes diagnosed with dementia, or having a cognitive deficit. The intervention will consist of 30 minutes sessions with animal-assisted activity or robot-assisted activity two times a week for 12 weeks in groups of 4-6 participants. Control groups will receive treatment as usual. Research questions: 1. Is there an effect in use of ordinary and optional medication among elderly persons with dementia at nursing homes participating in animal-assisted or robot-assisted interventions compared to a control group? 2. Is there an effect on agitation, restlessness and depression among elderly persons with dementia at nursing homes participating in animal-assisted or robot-assisted interventions compared to a control group? 3. Is there an effect on social interaction, activeness and wellbeing among elderly persons with dementia at nursing homes participating in animal-assisted or robot-assisted interventions compared to a control group?