Artificial Intelligence Applications and Social Assistive Robotics to Counteract Cognitive Decline in the Older Population: Evidence from Trials in Real Settings

Background: Despite the claimed benefits of social assistive robotics (SAR), the use of these technologies in real-life contexts to counteract older adults’ cognitive decline is still limited. In order to fill this gap, randomized controlled trials and pilot projects have recently been conducted in the field of information and communication technologies (ICT) to provide cognitive support at different stages of cognitive decline and to overcome barriers related to resource scarcity. The aim of this review is to examine the effectiveness of the newest applications in the field of social robotics in order to estimate the impact of these virtual agents to support the cognitive status. Methods: A systematic literature review was conducted, analyzing manuscripts published in the last 10 years from three databases. Results: It was shown that technology-integrated interventions can bring benefits to cognitive and psychological health when compared to usual care. Nevertheless, important questions were raised about how to maintain the benefits and durability of behavioral changes produced by short-term interventions. Social assistive robotics represents a potential solution to reduce costs, minimize the burden and training of therapists and broaden the range of clients who can benefit.