One of the parts of Inspirations that we are most proud of is our commitment to Animal Therapy. We have goats, alpacas, chickens, aquariums, and finches at our locations. While we have seen firsthand the positive impact that these animals have on residents, the research surrounding the impact of animal therapy on dementia residents overwhelmingly supports this. Below are some of the ways that animal therapy can positively benefit those living with dementia.

Mood

We’ve found that our residents’ demeanors totally change when they interact with our animals. Sometimes they are anxious and irritated and that irritation turns into calm. Other times, they light up from a previously dreary mood. In fact, in a study involving residents with dementia that have had a history of aggressive or agitated behaviors, after three weeks, daily animal therapy was shown to significantly and quantifiably decrease those behaviors.[1] While interaction with pets will brighten almost anyone’s mood, the specific effects animal therapy has on people with dementia is especially encouraging to us. Sundowning (increased confusion and irritation in late afternoon/evening) is a problem that many residents with dementia face. One study specifically studied residents with sundowning behaviors and found that evening agitation significantly decreased for them![2]

Communication

One study actually showed that when activities involve animals, they’ll generate more comments and the conversations are more complete than they are with similar activities.[3] I’ve found this to be true when I clean our aviaries. I'm always surrounded by excited residents that are eager to tell me about the pet birds they had growing up! Many of our residents have had some interaction with different types of animals. Whether they’re talking about their experiences with chickens, goats, or fish, the way their eyes light up is always the same. 

Social Behaviors

Beyond increasing conversation between the residents and staff, residents will talk to the animal while they interact with it. When a resident has dementia, often conversation with another person can feel like a burden. There are expectations to answer questions and understand what the other person is saying. With animals, there are no such expectations. Animals will take what the resident says to them and only respond with body language. This gives the residents space and freedom to use their words, although they may not make complete sense. A study found that residents’ eye contact, physical contact, and overall communication increased first just with the animals. But after the animal had left, the positive changes in their social behaviors then translated into improved communication with other people.[2]

Physical Health

Our aquariums are one of our residents’ favorite features of our communities. And while the fish are beautiful and fun to watch, there are actually surprising health benefits to having aquariums. A study found that residents who had a view of an aquarium during mealtime consumed 25% more food than a control group. This is a significant benefit to residents with dementia, especially for those that have a difficult time sitting still during meals.[4] When residents interact with animals, they are known to get more exercise than they do with other activities as well!

[1] Richeson, Nancy E. “Effects of Animal-Assisted Therapy on Agitated Behaviors and Social Interactions of Older Adults with Dementia.” American Journal of Alzheimer’s Disease & Other Dementiasr, Nov. 2003, pp. 353–358, doi:10.1177/153331750301800610.
[2] Yakimicki, Michelle L., et al. “Animal-Assisted Intervention and Dementia: A Systematic Review.” Clinical Nursing Research, vol. 28, no. 1, Jan. 2019, pp. 9–29, doi:10.1177/1054773818756987.
[3] Marx, Marcia S., et al. “The Impact of Different Dog-Related Stimuli on Engagement of Persons With Dementia.” American Journal of Alzheimer’s Disease & Other Dementiasr, Feb. 2010, pp. 37–45, doi:10.1177/1533317508326976.
[4] Edwards, Nancy E. PhD, ANP, RN*; Beck, Alan M. ScD† The Influence of Aquariums on Weight in Individuals With Dementia, Alzheimer Disease & Associated Disorders: October–December 2013 - Volume 27 - Issue 4 - p 379-383, doi: 10.1097/WAD.0b013e3182769b34.