Post on 15-Dec-2014
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The effects of pet therapy on patients with Alzheimer’s Disease
As a former Columbia graduate who now has difficulty remembering your grocery list
As a former golf, tennis, or running afficionado who now has difficulty walking up the stairs
As a former teacher, who taught at least 25 children every year, who now cannot remember your own grandchildren’s names
As a former business mogul who now cannot figure out how to pay your own bills...
Deal with these issues every day...
Results is memory loss Manifests itself as difficulty with
expressive oral and written language Results in difficulty with speech Negatively affects motor coordination,
often resulting in falls Eventually impairs long-term memory Markedly impairs the physical body Ultimately results in loneliness and
depression
Death of spouse Death of friends Limited mobility, thus affecting participation
in Church and other social activities Hectic schedules and obligations of family
members Physical and social isolation from others Significant health problems, which also limit
participation in social activities Complications and characteristics of
Alzheimer’s
Agitated clients become more socible and calmer
Quiet, nonverbal clients speak, and carry on a conversation
Confused and disoriented clinets find a focus Clients who whine and complain find
something positve to say Nursing home clients who have lost their
communication skills find a way to communicate with the animal through touch.
Providing consistent companionship Always ready to give and receive
affection Can help people feel loved and
appreciated even when human contact is diminished
Is there a relationship between the presence of a pet and immune functioning during a stressful life change event?
Can a close relationship with a pet buffer the acute stress associated with divorce or death of a loved one , and moderate the long-term effects
Is there a relationship between having a pet and coping with a life changing event?
Allen, Karen, PhD. (1995). “Coping with life changes and transitions: the role of pets.” Interventions. 13 (3), 5-10.
Banks, Marian R. And William A. (2002). “The effects of animal-assisted therapy on loneliness in an elderly population in long-term care facilities.” The Journals of Gerontology. 57, 428-432.
Grimshaw, Heather. (2008). “A four-legged cure.” Thrive. 2(9), 25-29.
www.DukeHealth.org, “Oncology Recreation Therapy: Benefits of Animal Assisted Therapy.”
Horowitz, Sala. “The Human-Animal Bond: Health Implications Across the Lifespan.” The Delta Society, www.DeltaSociety.org
Kansas City Pets For Life, www.kcpetsforlife.org