The Power of Pets: Benefits for Dementia Patients

There are many reasons to have a pet. They offer unconditional love and companionship and have been shown to both reduce stress and to provide happiness for their owners. Those same benefits are true for those suffering from Alzheimer’s or other forms of dementia. 

Whether it’s a dog, bird, cat, or even an aquarium filled with fish, the benefits of having a pet for one with Alzheimer’s or other dementia are numerous. Because pets love their owners, and very importantly, do not judge them, they are great companions, and can even help reduce the effects of dementia – anxiety, agitation, irritability, depression, and loneliness. Because they are so friendly and non-threatening, pets can help a dementia patient be more interactive, when sometimes they are not able to do so in social settings with other adults.

In a study conducted on an Alzheimer’s special care unit, researchers set out to determine the effects of a resident dog (versus a visiting dog) on behavior. Residents’ behavior during the day and during the evening was measured both during the week before the dog was placed at the unit, and then for four weeks following the dog’s arrival. Though no significant behavior changes occurred on the evening shift, the day shift participants showed significantly fewer behavior problems during the four weeks of the study.

The nutritional benefits of therapy pets on Alzheimer’s patients have been studied and shown to have positive results. In a study conducted by Purdue University, fish aquariums were used with 62 Alzheimer’s patients on a daily basis over a two week treatment period, and then weekly for a six-week period. The outcome showed that nutritional intake increased during the first two weeks, and continued to do so during the next six week period. The patients gained an average of 1.65 pounds, and required less nutritional supplementation, thus reducing the overall costs of their care.

The same benefits of pet-assisted therapy are true for at-home pets, including companionship, a reduction in anxiety and agitation, providing an excuse to get exercise, and improving interactions and socialization. However, there are factors to consider when it comes to caring for a pet at home. Four footed pets can be tripping hazards for the elderly. If the person with Alzheimer’s cannot remember to feed the pet, someone else must be sure to do so. The same is true for keeping up with licenses, grooming, and shots. It’s important to match the pet with you loved one’s abilities and to have someone else on hand as a backup to assist with caring for the pet. The power of pets is truly magical, though. They can make a big difference in the lives of those suffering from dementia.

This article was originally published here.