Erika Friedmann1, Elizabeth Galik2, Sue A Thomas2, P Sue Hall2, Seon Yoon Chung2, Sandra McCune3. 1. University of Maryland School of Nursing, Baltimore, MD, USA efrie002@son.umaryland.edu. 2. University of Maryland School of Nursing, Baltimore, MD, USA. 3. WALTHAM Centre for Pet Nutrition, Leicestershire, United Kingdom.
Abstract
BACKGROUND: In older adults with cognitive impairment (CI), decreased functional status and increased behavioral symptoms require relocation from assisted living (AL) to nursing homes. Studies support positive effects of pets on health/function. PURPOSE: Evaluate the effectiveness of the Pet AL (PAL) intervention to support physical, behavioral, and emotional function in AL residents with CI. METHODS:Cognitively impaired AL residents randomized to 60-90 minute sessions [PAL (n = 22) or reminiscing (n = 18)] twice/week for 12 weeks. PAL interventionist encourages residents to perform skills with the visiting dog; reminiscing interventionist encourages residents to reminisce. Monthly assessment of physical (energy expenditure, activities of daily living), emotional (depression, apathy), and behavioral (agitation) function. RESULTS: In linear mixed models, physical activity depressive symptoms improved more with PAL. CONCLUSION: Evidence supports that the PAL program helps preserve/enhance function of AL residents with CI. Additional study is required to evaluate the duration and predictors of effectiveness of the PAL intervention.
RCT Entities:
BACKGROUND: In older adults with cognitive impairment (CI), decreased functional status and increased behavioral symptoms require relocation from assisted living (AL) to nursing homes. Studies support positive effects of pets on health/function. PURPOSE: Evaluate the effectiveness of the Pet AL (PAL) intervention to support physical, behavioral, and emotional function in AL residents with CI. METHODS: Cognitively impaired AL residents randomized to 60-90 minute sessions [PAL (n = 22) or reminiscing (n = 18)] twice/week for 12 weeks. PAL interventionist encourages residents to perform skills with the visiting dog; reminiscing interventionist encourages residents to reminisce. Monthly assessment of physical (energy expenditure, activities of daily living), emotional (depression, apathy), and behavioral (agitation) function. RESULTS: In linear mixed models, physical activity depressive symptoms improved more with PAL. CONCLUSION: Evidence supports that the PAL program helps preserve/enhance function of AL residents with CI. Additional study is required to evaluate the duration and predictors of effectiveness of the PAL intervention.
Authors: Bryanna Streit LaRose; Lisa Kirk Wiese; María de Los Ángeles Ortega Hernández Journal: Issues Ment Health Nurs Date: 2021-10-13 Impact factor: 1.790
Authors: Maylos Rodrigo-Claverol; Carles Casanova-Gonzalvo; Belén Malla-Clua; Esther Rodrigo-Claverol; Júlia Jové-Naval; Marta Ortega-Bravo Journal: Int J Environ Res Public Health Date: 2019-08-09 Impact factor: 3.390