Effects of Robotic Therapy Dog Interaction on Mood Among Nursing Home Residents with Dementia
Dementia affects more than 55 million people worldwide and is frequently associated with social withdrawal, reduced emotional engagement, and declining quality of life. Although animal-assisted therapy has demonstrated benefits for individuals with dementia, many long-term care facilities face practical barriers that limit regular access to live animals. This study examined whether robotic therapy dogs could improve mood among nursing home residents with dementia.