Effects of animal-assisted therapy on behavioral and/or psychological symptoms in dementia: a case report.

BACKGROUND

Recently, interest in nonpharmaceutical interventions in dementia care has increased. Animal-assisted therapy has been shown to be one promising intervention but more knowledge is needed. The present article reports on a pilot study involving an 84-year-old woman with vascular dementia who was systematically trained with a therapy dog team for 8 weeks.

METHODS

A quasi-experimental longitudinal interventional design with pre-post measures was used. Data were collected on 3 occasions. Descriptive statistics were used for data analysis.

RESULTS

Some effects on the woman's ability to walk and move were identified. In addition, some effects in the woman's cognitive state were observed.

CONCLUSIONS

Physical, psychological, and/or social training with certified therapy dog teams can have effects on behavioral and psychological symptoms in people living with dementia. Further research is needed.