In caring for Alzheimer's patients here in Chapel Hill and Durham, we see that little things can make a big difference in patient attitude. Pet therapy has been shown to be particularly helpful to Alzheimer’s patients and those affected by other dementias. Pets, and dogs in particular, can calm those affected by dementia, help them stay active (Dogs love to walk!), and help them stay social through interactions with passersby who cannot resist these fuzzy companions. Dogs in general often provide enjoyment for those dealing with dementia, and it has been shown that dementia patients have a greater appetite following a visit from a canine companion.
The good news is there may be new promise in the area of pets helping people with dementias. Imagine dogs trained to remind a person to take medication and eat, or lead a person with dementia back home. Even more impressive, imagine these dogs could accomplish all of these tasks without receiving any type of verbal command. Does this sound farfetched (no pun intended)?
Considering the intelligence level and demeanor of certain dogs, this idea is not as crazy as it seems. In fact, today there are approximately six dogs in the world trained to do exactly these types of tasks through two projects, one based in Israel and one based in Germany, and more dogs are being trained.
Unlike traditional pet therapy, which mostly offers companionship to the Alzheimer’s patient, these two projects have undertaken training assistance dogs specifically to aid Alzheimer’s and other dementia patients with completing daily tasks, thus allowing the person to have greater independence.
This type of training is not for all dogs; it is the most demanding type of service dog training. Since their main task is to bring their human companion home when lost (or bark for help if necessary) dementia assistance dogs are specially chosen based on whether they are capable of assisting without commands and adapting what they have learned to new settings and situations. They also must be resilient enough to tolerate the frequent mood changes from which those with dementias frequently suffer.
Early pilot studies with these clever canines is promising, and the dementia patients and their families have had highly positive results. Perhaps one day in the near future, these carefully trained companions will be coming to a city near you.
At Comfort Keepers of Durham and Chapel Hill, we understand the stress that caregivers go through. We are here to help you and give you the support you need when dealing with a loved one and in keeping your senior healthy that can make a difference in their daily life. Call us at 919-338-2044 or visit us at online.
We provide elder care, senior care, in home care, Alzheimer's care and dementia care in Chapel Hill and Durham.
References
Cohen, J. (August 8, 2011). Assistance dogs: Learning new tricks for centuries. History in the Headlines. Retrieved from http://www.history.com/news/assistance-dogs-learning-new-tricks-for-centuries.
Coren, S. (January 21, 2014). Assistance dogs for Alzheimer's and dementia patients. Psychology Today. Retrieved from http://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/canine-corner/201401/assistance-dogs-alzheimers-and-dementia-patients.
Dementia Dog. (n.d.). Our dogs. Retrieved from http://www.dementiadog.org/
Rugg, L. C. (n.d.). Alzheimer's aid: Lassies become loyal friends. Retrieved from http://www.kingsvalleycollies.com/versatile/alzheimer-s-aid.
Shiboleth, M. (n.d.). Remember for me–The Alzheimer’s aid dogs. Retrieved from http://www.kingsvalleycollies.com/about/alzheimers-aid-dogs.
Vann, M. (April 20, 2010). How animal therapy helps dementia patients. Everyday Health. Retrieved from http://www.everydayhealth.com/alzheimers/how-animal-therapy-helps-dementia-patients.aspx.
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