Can a Pet Really Help Individuals with Dementia?

By Fiona Sembiring | November 6, 2023

Can a pet really help individuals with dementia? To answer this question, we must first ask, “What is dementia?” Dementia is often confused for a disease, but it is actually a term used for the collection of abnormal symptoms that affect a person’s thinking, functioning, and interaction with others. People with dementia may be irritated or annoyed by new things, can have trouble remembering, have trouble focusing, and have difficulty using proper judgment. Although dementia is not a disease, dementia can be brought on by a disease or medical condition, such as Alzheimer’s disease, Huntington’s disease, multiple strokes, traumatic brain injury, and post-traumatic stress disorder. 

Research studies show that animal therapy does, in fact, help with dementia. Animal therapy, also known as animal-assisted therapy, pet therapy, or pet-assisted therapy can be beneficial in many ways. It can help individuals with dementia find the right word, speak more fluently, read and write, and express their emotions better. In addition, animal therapy can help improve short and long-term memory, communication, as well as the senses.

Short-Term Memory

Calling a pet by name or using treats to teach tricks can help improve the short-term memory of someone with dementia.

Long-Term Memory

Animal therapy can trigger a memory associated with an old pet and improve overall long-term memory.

Communication Skills

Talking to a pet or about a pet can help a person with dementia communicate.

Sensation

Having a pet can generally heighten the senses of a person with dementia by seeing the animal move, listening to the sounds the animal makes, smelling the scent of the animal, and touching the animal’s fur and feeling its temperature.

Animal therapy can be the most beneficial for individuals that are lonely, depressed, anxious, have little to no visitors, often reminisce about old pets, and are physically capable of not harming a pet. Adoption and pet visitation are both options to consider depending on the severity of dementia, ability to care for a pet, living situation, and support system of the person. Common companion pets include dogs, cats, birds, hamsters, guinea pigs, and rabbits.

For many aging adults, dementia is not a disease but a set of abnormal symptoms often associated with aging. Dementia can be hard to manage for many seniors and their family members because it interferes with daily life. Family members can take action by educating themselves on how to better take care of their loved ones by learning about pet therapy and its benefits. 

At Samaritan Senior Care, we believe in providing transparent and personalized support to help you navigate the difficulties of dementia. Our dedicated team is committed to assisting you every step of the way, ensuring a comprehensive understanding of the necessary standard and quality of care involved.

For more information and personalized guidance on in-home care services, reach out to Samaritan Senior Care today. Our experts are here to address your concerns and provide you with the necessary information to make well-informed decisions that prioritize the well-being of your loved ones.

*All content and information on our website is created for informational purposes only. The information presented does not constitute medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment and does not substitute professional medical advice. Always consult an appropriate professional for advice related to your specific situation.