By Joelle Trollinger and Amy WeaverAuburn University
Researchers in the Auburn University School of Nursing found animal-assisted therapy promotes social engagement among adults with dementia or other cognitive impairments.
Assistant Professor Morgan Yordy and Associate Clinical Professor Stuart Pope studied the possible benefits with the school’s therapy dogs — Miller, Choa and Daisy — at a community respite ministry at Auburn United Methodist Church. REACH, or Refresh, Encourage, Activities, Care, Hope, is for people with early to moderate memory issues.
As the number of older adults rises, so does the prominence of dementia. The Alzheimer’s Association reports 5.8 million Americans are living with Alzheimer’s disease. By 2050, the association projects the number to rise to nearly 14 million.Health care professionals and caregivers must be prepared to assist this growing and vulnerable population with activities of daily living. Auburn researchers anticipated animal-assisted therapy would be an effective strategy in promoting communication and social engagement.
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