Long‐term evaluation of animal‐assisted therapy for institutionalized elderly people: a preliminary result

Abstract

Background: Many researchers theorize that animal-assisted therapy (AAT) will have an effect on people suffering from the symptoms of dementia by evaluating short-term-effects. The purpose of this research was to evaluate the psychological and behavioral effects of AAT on elderly residents of a nursing home on a long-term basis. Methods: The subjects consisted of 10 residents of a residential nursing home. Researchers first created each participant's goal in an agreement with the nursing home staff. Visits were made twice a month, and on each occasion three or four dogs were taken. The residents were able to freely feed, hold and play with the dogs, with each dog placed on a separate table. Data collection methods included GBS Scale Japanese Version (GBSS-J) and Mental Function Impairment Scale (MENFIS). Data was collected four times during the period 2003-05. The scores were analyzed using SPSS11.5J. Results: According to GBSS-J, the scores for intellectual function, spontaneity, emotional function and other mental functions decreased during the first 6 months of the study and then increased until the twelfth month. The score for Motor function increased over the 12 months. When comparisons were made item by item, there were significant decreases in impaired orientation in space, and emotional liability during the first 6 months. According to MENFIS, the overall score tended to decrease during the first 6-month period but increased from 6 months to 12 months. There was a tendency for scores to decrease in impaired emotional function, especially impaired suitability of emotional expression and impaired stability of emotional expression over the 12-month period. Conclusions: After 6 months of participation in AAT, there were improvements in mental functions, though physical functions decreased. It is suggested that after a 6 month period each subject's needs and goals should be re-examined.

Effect of aromatherapy on patients with Alzheimer's disease

“…Some studies of the effects of aromatherapy have used scales evaluating behavioral and psychological symptoms of dementia (BPSD). [6][7][8] However, on the basis of the results of the present study, our view is that the most important effect of aromatherapy in dementia is on cognitive function. Thus, the main aim of the present study was to determine whether aromatherapy can improve cognitive disorders.…”

“…4,5 In recent years, non-pharmacological intervention has been based on the viewpoint of brain rehabilitation and the possible prevention of senile dementia has also been reported and non-pharmacological treatments other than aromatherapy, such as memory training, music therapy, the recollection method, animal-assisted therapy, and optical treatment, have been studied. [6][7][8] Aromatherapy experientially classifies the effect of the scent through the essential oil extracted from the plant, a traditional treatment used according to its effect, and is used in many fields. In the present study, the aromatherapy applied did not include mainstream aroma massage, aroma baths etc.…”

Effect of animal-assisted activity on balance and quality of life in home-dwelling persons with dementia

“…Animalassisted activities (AAAs) are one type of AAI and include, for example, dogs and their handlers who visit for 'meet-and-greet' activities (11). Most studies of AAIs have focused on the interventions' impacts on social outcomes (12)(13)(14)(15), behavioural and psychological outcomes (16)(17)(18)(19)(20), and physiological outcomes (21-23), many of which are regarded as risk factors associated with falls. However, there are fewer studies of the effect of AAIs on performance-based physical outcomes and the results from these studies are inconsistent (19,24).…”

Natural healers: a review of animal assisted therapy and activities as complementary treatment for chronic conditions

“…Most of the research examining animal assisted therapy and activities has been conducted among adults, particularly elderly people (8)(9)(10)(11) . with Autism Spectrum disorder (12) .…”