Pet Therapy for Dementia

Animal Assisted Therapy (AAT) or pet therapy has received increased attention recently having been linked with the improvement of quality of life for dementia patients. With the first trained ‘Dementia Dogs’ in the UK, improving the lives of those with dementia, we take a look at some of the benefits that pet therapy can offer individuals with dementia.

 

Decrease in Behavioural Problems

Studies have shown a significant reduction in daytime behavioural disturbances, within a care setting, when the patient has been exposed to a pet. One in particular found a reduction in loud and/or aggressive outbursts while a dog was visiting the patients. Greater attachment to the pet is said to have an impact on mood disorders, reducing them significantly.

 Improved Nutrition

Research in this area is very limited, however one study has shown that residents, in a care setting, ate more of their meals and gained more weight in the presence of animals than those who weren’t exposed. In the case of this study, a fish aquarium was placed in the dining room with positive results, meaning not only an improvement of resident’s health but also a reduction in cost due to needing less nutritional supplements.

 Increase in Social Interaction

One study showed a significant increase in social behaviours, e.g. smiles, laughs, touches and verbalizations, when a dog was present; as well as significantly greater resident responsivity. This increased in terms of duration and frequency in the presence of the visiting dog. Animals are also good for triggering dementia patient’s memories, creating a topic for discussion and giving them a focus for conversation.

Although most of the current studies focus on the impact ‘therapy dogs’ have on dementia patients, a range of animals have been used for Animal Assisted Therapy including horses, rabbits, cats, chickens and even ducklings. One care home that has seen positive impacts from pet therapy is Abbeywood Care Home, who through introducing a range of animals to residents, reported that they had a sense of purpose and well-being; another being Sambrook House Care Home who has seen positive results from a visiting horse. Let’s hope that positive results continue to surface, due to this kind of therapy.

Do you have any experiences related to dementia and pet therapy? Share them in the comments below.