Therapy animals make a difference in the lives of people with Alzheimer’s and dementia. Washington Therapy Dogs’ manager Marlina Velasco-Barker joins Suzanne to talk about the science and successes of therapy dogs. Episodes this month support the Walk to End Alzheimer’s.
She mentions the article “Pet Power” on the Alzheimer’s Association’s website https://www.alz.org/news/2023/pet-power. The article says, “Animal therapy is an accessible and inexpensive practice that has been shown to provide a wide variety of behavioral and emotional benefits for people living with dementia. The Alzheimer’s Association Dementia Care Practice Recommendations — guidelines that set the standard for person-centered quality care — cite several studies that assess the effects of regular engagement with both living and robotic animals. The therapy has been shown to improve mood and facilitate social interaction. It can also have a calming effect that helps with dementia-related behavioral problems, and increase physical activity in people living with dementia.”
Marlina says, “One of the communities, we’ve gone there multiple times. This was the first time I saw this resident, she was in a wheelchair and she was catatonic. Her hands were at her side, tucked next to her lap. My dog Lea pulled me toward her. She rested her chin on her lap for five minutes, waiting for her to have an interaction with her. Everybody’s jaw dropped in the entire room. She hadn’t talked or moved in years. Not only did the resident lean forward, but she petted her. I just broke down crying, because there’s nothing you can do in your life like witnessing that. It is such an amazing opportunity to see, and I was a mess.”
To collaborate or learn more about dog training in the U.S., visit watherapydogs.com. Visit alz.org/walk and enter your zip code to find the Walk nearest you to register or donate. Check out alz.org to learn more.
Check out our affiliate podcast Alzheimer’s Speaks: https://alzheimersspeaks.com/
