Stretching their Reach: Robotic Support for Older Individuals with Mild Cognitive Impairment and Early Alzheimer's Dementia - Abstract Assistive robots have the potential to enhance individual autonomy, reduce human burden, and lower healthcare costs for older adults with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and early Alzheimer’s disease and related dementia (ADRD) while supporting their professional caregivers (CareStaff) and care partners (Carers). Over 20% of people aged 65+ in the US live with MCI or ADRD, and require assistance with cognitive activities (activity reminders, cueing procedures), social engagement (initiating social interactions, remember events) or safety issues (remembering to use walker, hydration). When Carers are not co-located with the older adult, their ability to provide support is limited; particularly a challenge for individuals living alone. Moreover, with the severe shortage of CareStaff available, finding innovative solutions to support older adults with cognitive impairment has become an urgent and critical necessity. This Phase IIB SBIR proposal builds on a successful Phase II (2R44AG072982), wherein we conducted participatory design research to refine and broaden the functional capabilities of the StretchTM assistive robot to support older adults with a range of cognitive and physical impairments. We advanced the robot design and partnered with ClarkLindsey Life Plan Community to conduct evaluations of Stretch in naturalistic settings. We identified three high value application areas: 1) cognitive assistance, 2) social engagement, and 3) safety management. In Phase IIB, we will further develop the robot capabilities by leveraging recent advances in artificial intelligence (AI) specifically for individuals with MCI and Mild Dementia and their care team. We will partner with community partners to conduct embedded evaluations of effectiveness, usability, trust, reliance, and acceptance issues. These efforts will accelerate commercialization of an affordable, flexible robot that can improve the quality of life for older adults with cognitive impairments, through the following aims: Aim 1: Leverage advances in AI to develop autonomous capabilities and user interfaces specifically designed to support older adults with MCI/Mild Dementia, CareStaff, Carers. Aim 2: Expand our understanding of how Stretch can provide cognitive supports for older adults with MCI/Mild Dementia, CareStaff, and Carers in their environments. Aim 3: Conduct embedded evaluations in home environments and care settings. This Phase IIB proposal directly meets multiple aspects of the NIH PAS-22-196 to develop “New technologies for in-home use or for coordination or delivery of services to sustain in-home living for individuals with MCI or AD/ADRD;” to design “Assistive robotics technology that can support a person to maintain or improve her/his independence, safety, and well-being when diagnosed with AD/ADRD and alleviate the burden of care;” and to develop “Novel technologies to monitor, assist, or maintain daily functioning of older individuals with AD/ADRD and other cognitive impairments.” The Stretch robot has tremendous potential to support everyday activities
