How Therapy Animals Help Those Living with Dementia

A visit from a friendly dog or cat does more than simply brighten the day of someone living with dementia. It can play a key role in maintaining better health.

8:00 AM

Author | Renee Gadwa, M.B.A.

Older man rubbing a dog's neck

When I worked in long-term care facilities with those on their dementia journey, I saw the benefits of animal-assisted pet therapy firsthand.

People living with dementia often feel isolated, depressed and without purpose. Yet my coworkers and I saw the residents experience so much joy simply by having animals around — to pet, to groom, to feed or to share a lap.

Some residents saw reduced stress and anxiety or improved social skills. Others were able to reduce their medications as a result of the happiness brought on by the pets that either lived in or visited our facilities.

Although experiences may vary, one thing is for certain: quality time with four-legged friends does far more than make us feel good.

Pets offer health benefits

There is evidence that just 15 minutes of bonding with an animal sets off a chemical chain reaction in the brain that lowers levels of cortisol (our "fight or flight" hormone) and increases levels of serotonin (our "feel-good" hormone).

Such positive and immediate changes in hormone levels can help lower one's heart rate, blood pressure and stress levels. And if interaction with pets is a regular occurrence, we might ultimately see lower cholesterol levels, fewer incidents of depression and even protection against heart disease.

Mobile groups can help

Many hospitals and long-term care communities have an agreement with organizations such as Therapaws or Pet-A-Pet to conduct regular visits.

While dogs are usually the "therapists," I have also seen patients delighted by cats, rabbits and gerbils.

Some facilities even have a resident cat, dog or bird on-site to create good feelings and a homelike atmosphere.

Your own furry pals might help, too

Pet therapy also benefits people who are still living at home.

Friends and family can help by paying a "pet visit" to the person's home. Only bring animals that are calm, well-trained and not disruptive.

While it may be tempting to provide a new pet for the patient with dementia, realize that it is unlikely that the individual or their family would be able to handle such an obligation.

Stuffed creature comforts

Some people with a more advanced dementia could enjoy the company of a lifelike stuffed pet animal. I have seen residents grooming, playing with and loving their "pet" as they would any real-life creature.

The ultimate goal of pet therapy is to enrich the person's life, provide more opportunities for joy and improve their quality of life. Pets are one more way that we, as caregivers, can do this.


More Articles About: lifestyle Alzheimer's Disease Neurological (Brain) Conditions
Health Lab word mark overlaying blue cells
Health Lab

Explore a variety of health care news & stories by visiting the Health Lab home page for more articles.

Media Contact Public Relations

Department of Communication at Michigan Medicine

[email protected]

734-764-2220

Stay Informed

Want top health & research news weekly? Sign up for Health Lab’s newsletters today!

Subscribe
Featured News & Stories algae green spread all over lake by forest edge from high view
Health Lab
Living near harmful algal blooms reduces life expectancy with ALS
Living close to cyanobacterial harmful algal blooms — which are present nationwide but are more common in coastal and Great Lake states — heightens the rate of dying from amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, or ALS, a study suggests.
father and son standing together and book cover
Health Lab
One doctor’s American dream: to stop hate
Asian-American history is American history. William D. Chey shares his immigrant father’s legacy, his own experience and calls on youth to practice the values of diversity, equity and inclusion throughout their lives.
doctor talking to patient in clinic in white coat
Health Lab
I've been diagnosed with a brain tumor. Now what?
Facing a brain tumor diagnosis can be an overwhelming experience, but it’s essential to gather information that will help guide the next steps in your care. University of Michigan Health neurosurgeon Wajd Al-Holou, M.D., weighs in on the importance of understanding the diagnosis, exploring various treatment options and seeking the best medical care.
person looking at test close up
Health Lab
Revolutionizing head injury care
A simple blood test is changing how emergency medicine operates.
family photo black and white
Health Lab
Training and instinct led nurse from quiet clue to critical catch
A Michigan Medicine nurse catches a critical situation for a patient.
hands on book reading
Health Lab
Highly educated people face steeper mental declines after stroke
Stroke survivors who have attended some level of higher education may face even steeper mental declines, according to a study led by Michigan Medicine.