Do Robots Have a Role in Life With Dementia?

Telepresence robots. Calming robots. Robots that provide older adults with companionship. What’s the role of robots in the future of dementia care? 

Join us Friday, July 18, at 11 a.m. PT / 2 p.m. ET for a Live Talk with University of British Colombia professor and researcher Dr. Lilian Hung. Hung will be joined by one of her patients Mario Gregorio, an advocate and educator living with vascular neurocognitive disorder and a mentor to researchers in UBC’s Idea Lab. The duo will discuss how cutting-edge technology — including robotics — may soon play a role in supporting care for older adults living with dementia.

Hung is an associate professor at the University of British Colombia’s School of Nursing, as well as the Canada Research Chair in Senior Care. She’s also the founder of the Idea Lab (Innovation in Dementia and Aging). She studies technology in elder care, including the role of robots in providing companionship and emotional support. 

Gregorio was diagnosed with Vascular neuroCognitive Disorder in 2008. Since then, he has emphasized the importance of building dementia-friendly communities that address social isolation and promote meaningful connections. Beyond mentoring researchers at the IDEA Lab, he holds advisory roles on several municipal, provincial, and national committees.

RSVP to learn more about how technology might change the experience of living with dementia, how robots are getting better at helping older adults, and what sort of electronic helpers are coming next.