How Our Furry Friends Can Help Dementia Patients Live Happier Lives
Writer: Gavin Darling
For many Alzheimer’s and Dementia patients, anxious behaviors like nervous fidgeting and agitation are quite common and can create immense difficulties for patients as they try to complete daily tasks. These behaviors are a result of the neurodegeneration caused by this disease which creates confusion and causes anxiety. However, recent studies have discovered a significant positive correlation between time spent with pets and “feel-good” hormones like serotonin or oxytocin. Dementia patients were studied in these tests and asked to spend certain increments of time with a furry friend during the day. Scientists found that patients who spent the most time with pets exhibited the highest levels of “feel-good” hormones. (“How Pets Help with Dementia”).
You may be wondering, how does this work? And how can pets really help dementia patients besides just improving their mood? Well, the most important aspect of care for dementia patients is their wellbeing seeing as this disease has no cure, we must try and do our best to make sure patients are living happy lives. Their mood ultimately affects every other part of their daily life, as anger or feelings of despair can seriously inhibit patients’ ability to perform everyday tasks like eating, engaging in conversation, and self-care practices. Pets are a great solution to improve patients’ mood throughout the day, allowing them to perform everyday tasks with greater autonomy, as they provide comfort and unconditional love and affection. On the other hand, people with dementia tend to thrive in routines, which pets can provide with regular walks, feeding, and grooming. Moreover, pets can be suited to all types of patients. An active, outdoor-loving dog would be more suited to a person with dementia who likes to take walks and spend time outside; whereas, a relaxed cat may be more suited to someone who spends more time indoors and prefers less movement.
The very presence of a friendly pet has shown to reduce feelings of anxiety, irritation, or depression. They can also serve as a preventative measure against feelings of loneliness as they provide consistent companionship and affection (Allen, 2024). Both dogs and cats can serve as helpful companions and provide comfort to memory-care patients who may not have nearby family or friends.
Overall, pets can be a great way to improve dementia patients’ quality of life and mood as several studies have shown their effect on “feel-good” hormones like serotonin and oxytocin. Every dog and cat has a different personality which can be matched with a similar patient to provide a well-suited friend. If you know someone who has Alzheimer’s disease or Dementia, getting them a pet may be worth considering if they would like a friendly companion to bond with. Pets like these can improve overall quality of life for individual residents, or larger groups. Emotional support animals could be brought into memory-care facilities for the residents to meet which can provide enjoyable experiences that can reduce feelings of anxiety and depression residents may have.
Works Cited
The Ridge Senior Living. “How Pets Help People With Dementia.” The Ridge, https://theridgeseniorliving.com/blog/pets-dementia-patients/#:~:text=Agitation%20and%20fidgeting%20are%20common,of%20working%20past%20those%20barriers. Accessed 20 November 2024.
Allen, Kathleen. “Alzheimer's Disease: The Magic of Pets.” BrightFocus Foundation, 9 July 2021, https://www.brightfocus.org/alzheimers/article/alzheimers-disease-magic-pets. Accessed 20 November 2024.
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