biostudies-literatureInoue KGrant in Aid for Scientific Research (B)e71163https://www.ebi.ac.uk/biostudies/studies/S-EPMC12910241biostudies-literatureUnknown22(2)<h4>Introduction</h4>PARO, a baby seal robot, has shown promise in addressing behavioral and psychological symptoms of dementia (BPSD) in clinical settings. However, little is known about PARO's benefits when used independently of health professionals. This study examined that scenario in older adults with dementia.<h4>Methods</h4>Applying a cluster-randomized design, we randomly assigned six facilities to once- or thrice-weekly self-directed PARO sessions for a month. BPSD severity and caregiver burden scores of the Neuropsychiatric Inventory Brief Questionnaire were measured.<h4>Results</h4>Findings from 85 participants indicated a significant reduction in caregiver burden in the thrice-weekly group (least-squares [LS] mean: -3.29, 95% confidence interval [CI]: [-6.26, -0.32], p = 0.030)Alzheimer's & dementia : the journal of the Alzheimer's AssociationA Randomized Trial Using PARO with Minimal Caregiver Involvement on Older Adults with Dementia in Group Homes.PMC1291024119H0450416H03212Kobayashi RShibata TCoughlin JFYatsu CKono MInoue KShigeta MYao DPGfalseA Randomized Trial Using PARO with Minimal Caregiver Involvement on Older Adults with Dementia in Group Homes.<h4>Introduction</h4>PARO, a baby seal robot, has shown promise in addressing behavioral and psychological symptoms of dementia (BPSD) in clinical settings. However, little is known about PARO's benefits when used independently of health professionals. This study examined that scenario in older adults with dementia.<h4>Methods</h4>Applying a cluster-randomized design, we randomly assigned six facilities to once- or thrice-weekly self-directed PARO sessions for a month. BPSD severity and caregiver burden scores of the Neuropsychiatric Inventory Brief Questionnaire were measured.<h4>Results</h4>Findings from 85 participants indicated a significant reduction in caregiver burden in the thrice-weekly group (least-squares [LS] mean: -3.29, 95% confidence interval [CI]: [-6.26, -0.32], p = 0.030)2026-01-01T00:00:00Z2026 Feb2026-07-16T00:42:29.327Z2026-07-09T10:26:21.845ZS-EPMC129102414170009410.1002/alz.71163