Managing Cognitive Decline Through a Social Robot-Based Intervention: Protocol for the engAGE Proof of Concept and
Giulio Amabili1, Elvira Maranesi1, Arianna Margaritini1
1Scientific Direction, IRCCS INRCA, Ancona, Italy.
JMIR Research Protocols
|September 2, 2025
Summary
The engAGE project developed a tech platform using a social robot and app to help older adults with mild cognitive impairment (MCI). This intervention aims to improve cognitive function, quality of life, and daily habits.
Area of Science:
- Gerontology
- Human-Computer Interaction
- Cognitive Science
Background:
- Dementia poses significant societal challenges, impacting quality of life and healthcare costs.
- Mild cognitive impairment (MCI) often precedes dementia, presenting an opportunity for intervention.
- Lifestyle and cognitive therapies show promise in mitigating cognitive decline in MCI patients.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop and test the engAGE technological platform for managing cognitive decline in older adults with MCI.
- To assess the platform's effectiveness in improving cognitive function, lifestyle, and well-being.
- To evaluate the acceptability and usability of the engAGE system.
Main Methods:
- A 6-month randomized controlled trial (RCT) involving older adults with MCI across Italy, Switzerland, and Norway.
- Utilized a social robot (Pepper) for cognitive therapy, complemented by a mobile app and activity tracker for daily monitoring.
- Assessed cognitive capacity (MoCA, MAC-Q), social engagement (UCLA Loneliness Scale), quality of life (WEMWBS), and system usability (SUS, UTAUT).
Main Results:
- The proof of concept enrolled 49 participants, with 40 in the experimental group and 9 in the control group.
- Data collection occurred from November 2023 to July 2024.
- Full data analysis concluded in November 2024, with results anticipated by 2026.
Conclusions:
- The engAGE proof of concept demonstrated an innovative, technology-based, multidomain intervention for older adults with MCI.
- The study aimed to counteract cognitive decline while enhancing users' quality of life, social engagement, and sleep quality.
Keywords:
cognitive trainingdigital healthinnovation in health caremild cognitive impairmentolder adultsolder peoplesocial roboticstechnology for elderlyMore Related Videos
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