Hopefully technology will soon be able to prevent, even reverse, dementia, but until then researchers are experimenting with robotic companions for people with faltering faculties. From Scientific American:

“A team of international researchers recently found that a therapeutic robot companion improved the quality of life for a small group of people with mid- to late-stage dementia.

In the real-life case, the robotic companion was made to look like a harp seal. It was fitted with AI software and tactile sensors that enabled it to respond to touch and sound. The robot could express surprise, happiness or anger and even respond to certain words. Patients who spent time with the robot seemed happier and less anxious.”