Ewha Womans University Mokdong Hospital said Monday that it has become the first local hospital to open a robot cognitive therapy center.

Ewha Womans University Medical Center Director Moon Byung-in (fourth from right), Kim Kun-ha (fourth from right), director of Ewha Womans University Mokdong Hospital’s Robot Cognitive Therapy Center, and other executives and guests cut a ribbon to dedicate the new center at the hospital in southwestern Seoul, on Monday.

The robotic cognitive therapy center provides training programs to improve cognitive functions such as memory, concentration, and language ability to prevent dementia. The hospital plans to offer a one-to-one customized cognitive training program for high-risk patients with dementia under the guidance of a cognitive training specialist.

The 20 types of robot training programs, developed by cognitive training specialists, focus on daily life situations where the robot acts the part of the patient’s grandchildren.

A variety of cognitive training programs that can stimulate the patient's interest, such as fishing or playing music, will be available depending on the severity of the patient. The center also has additional smart pads, computer programs, and booklet-based programs to help patients.

For those participating in the robotic cognitive training program, the center will provide a systematic home care management program so that patients can continue their cognitive training at home as well as at the hospital.

“Continued cognitive training can help prevent dementia by strengthening cognitive function,” said Kim Kun-ha, director of the Robot Cognitive Therapy Center. “The new center, which provides one-to-one personalized cognitive training, can contribute to the prevention of dementia in high-risk patients who are worried about dementia.”

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