Effects of animal-assisted therapy on agitated behaviors and social interactions of older adults with dementia

Am J Alzheimers Dis Other Demen. 2003 Nov-Dec;18(6):353-8. doi: 10.1177/153331750301800610.

Abstract

The effects of a therapeutic recreation intervention using animal-assisted therapy (AAT) on the agitated behaviors and social interactions of older adults with dementia were examined using the Cohen-Mansfield Agitation Inventory and the Animal-Assisted Therapy Flow Sheet. In a pilot study, 15 nursing home residents with dementia participated in a daily AAT intervention for three weeks. Results showed statistically significant decreases in agitated behaviors and a statistically significant increase in social interaction pretest to post-test.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Animals
  • Animals, Domestic*
  • Behavior Therapy / methods*
  • Dementia / psychology*
  • Humans
  • Interpersonal Relations*
  • Nursing Homes
  • Pilot Projects
  • Psychomotor Agitation / diagnosis
  • Psychomotor Agitation / etiology*
  • Psychomotor Agitation / therapy*
  • Surveys and Questionnaires