2019
DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2019.01332
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Canine-Assisted Therapy and Quality of Life in People With Alzheimer-Type Dementia: Pilot Study

Abstract: Background With the aim of improving the quality of life of people with Alzheimer’s disease, primarily as regards behavioral and psychological symptoms, we implemented canine-assisted therapy in a group of people with this disease. Methods We conducted a quasi-experimental study, with a simple pre-post case series design. Participants comprised 10 Alzheimer’s day care center users presenting severe or very severe cognitive decline. The measurement instrument employed wa… Show more

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Cited by 11 publications
(15 citation statements)
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References 34 publications
(40 reference statements)
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“…In the AAT activity reports, almost all the works described the activities carried out with the dog; only one study did not release any information [ 40 ]. The sessions described had a duration between 10 min and 1 h. Activities included social [ 56 ], physical [ 39 , 55 , 59 , 60 , 62 , 66 ], and free [ 42 , 43 , 48 , 49 , 51 , 57 , 64 , 68 , 73 ] interactions; activities of rehabilitation [ 46 , 76 ]; psychomotor activities; and socialization [ 52 ]. Other activities included grooming, feeding, and stroking [ 54 , 58 , 61 , 67 , 70 , 75 ]; playing with the dog; and engaging in obedience exercises [ 45 , 50 , 65 , 72 , 74 , 75 ].…”
Section: Resultsmentioning
confidence: 99%
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“…In the AAT activity reports, almost all the works described the activities carried out with the dog; only one study did not release any information [ 40 ]. The sessions described had a duration between 10 min and 1 h. Activities included social [ 56 ], physical [ 39 , 55 , 59 , 60 , 62 , 66 ], and free [ 42 , 43 , 48 , 49 , 51 , 57 , 64 , 68 , 73 ] interactions; activities of rehabilitation [ 46 , 76 ]; psychomotor activities; and socialization [ 52 ]. Other activities included grooming, feeding, and stroking [ 54 , 58 , 61 , 67 , 70 , 75 ]; playing with the dog; and engaging in obedience exercises [ 45 , 50 , 65 , 72 , 74 , 75 ].…”
Section: Resultsmentioning
confidence: 99%
“…In four studies, the dogs worked with autistic patients [ 41 , 48 , 60 ], and in one study, the dogs also worked with Down-syndrome patients [ 52 ]. Four papers focused on the elderly to improve the physiological parameters of heart disease [ 66 ], Alzheimer’s disease [ 62 ], the perception of pain in geriatrics [ 59 ], and cognitive functions among patients with dementia [ 60 ]. In two papers, the dogs supported patients with oncological diseases [ 67 , 70 ].…”
Section: Resultsmentioning
confidence: 99%
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“…However, more extensive studies should be conducted to strengthen the existing evidence, by measurement of biochemical parameters such as cortisol, for example [ 12 ]. The intensity and procedures of therapy should be standardized for a better interpretation of the benefits for patients [ 15 ], considering also the main role of the dog as co-therapist [ 38 ]. In addition, it would be desirable to standardize the methodologies used in terms of Alzheimer’s diagnosis and age of the patients, always include a control group, use a wider battery of measurement tests for the cognitive impairment and mood, establish an increased frequency of sessions (preferably weekly), and plan longer-lasting interventions.…”
Section: Discussionmentioning
confidence: 99%
“…Some studies have shown how AAT can provide an alternative or an addition to pharmacological treatments to reduce the behavioral and psychological symptoms [ 13 ] as well as agitation, depression, and apathy [ 14 ] of patients with dementia. Still other studies have highlighted how this type of intervention can provide significant benefits to improve the quality of life in people with AD [ 15 ] and the psychosocial well-being in people with dementia [ 16 ]. Other studies have shown an improvement in cognitive impairment [ 17 ] and an improvement in balance [ 18 ] in patients with AD undergoing AAT with a dog.…”
Section: Introductionmentioning
confidence: 99%