engleski

Animal-assisted therapy for persons with dementia

Dementia is a chronic and progressive condition characterized by impaired memory, cognitive, social, and daily functional abilities beyond what can be expected from normal ageing. The most common cause of dementia is Alzheimer's disease, which affects 60% to 80% of patients with dementia. Dementia is a major cause of disability in the elderly. In the treatment of people with dementia, it is important to use other, non- pharmacological interventions in addition to medication, such as animal-assisted therapy, art therapy, music therapy, occupational therapy, dance therapy or exercise. Animal-assisted therapy can be defined as a targeted intervention in which an animal that meets certain criteria is an integral part of the treatment process and is performed by specially trained individuals. The goal of this therapy is to improve physical, social, emotional and cognitive functions in healthy and sick individuals and thus improve the quality of life. It can be carried out as an individual or group intervention. The use of animals in human therapy was first described in 1792. As a method of treatment, it was officially introduced in 1969. by Boris Levinson, a psychiatrist, who observed the interaction of dog and child with autism. Research shows that animal- assisted therapy improves mental and physical health. In the area of mental health, it leads to relaxation, reduces feelings of anxiety and contributes to reducing feelings of loneliness. For people with dementia, it contributes to an increase in physical activity, it can alleviate the so-called "sundowning syndrome", which is manifested by anxiety, restlessness, disorientation and aggressive behaviour. It can also improve short-term memory and communication skills, and improve appetite. Animals help patients to be more interactive, which they are sometimes unable to do with other people. The most suitable animals for this type of therapy are fish, dogs, and cats. More recently, animal robots have begun to be used in the treatment of patients with dementia. Research shows that these robots have similar positive effects like animals, with no negative consequences such as possible injuries, allergies, and bites.

animal therapy ; dementia ; quality of life

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