New Robotic Animals Help Dementia Patients (And Are Unbearably Cute in the
  Process)
From: Robotic Trends - 06/25/2013

Scientists at England's Northumbria University introduced several people with
mid- to late-stage dementia to PARO, an interactive animatronic harp seal.
PARO respond to touch and sound, responds to its owner’s voice, and can give
emotional responses.

Read the entire article at:
http://www.roboticstrends.com/service_healthcare/article/new_robotic_animals_help_dementia_patients_and_are_unbearably_cute_in_the_p

Links:
Paro
http://www.parorobots.com/

Robo-pets may contribute to quality of life for those with dementia
http://www.northumbria.ac.uk/browse/ne/uninews/robo-pets