Therapy dogs´ effects on elderly with dementia : A literature review

Background: The prevalence of dementia has increased in Sweden throughout the years. Every year about 25 000 to 30 000 people become ill with dementia. Dementia can cause secondary symptoms such as anxiety, leading to powerlessness and agitation. Elderly suffering from dementia also have reduced self-esteem and lack of social skills, causing isolation and physical inactivity. The disease cannot be cured but can be alleviated and slowed down using medicines and therapies. Purpose: The purpose of this study was to, through the perspective of elderly with dementia and health care professionals, highlight the health effects that therapy dogs have on people with dementia diagnosis. Method: A literature review was used, and eleven articles were studied, two qualitative and nine quantitative. The study is based on Polit & Beck’s (2016) nine steps model. Result: Studies show significant health effects with dog-assisted therapies in people with dementia. Four themes were identified. These are psychological effects, physical effects, social effects and quality of life. Conclusion: The literature shows that dogs in-care are of great importance to people with dementia and that it should be taken more seriously since the quality of the care is improved. Clinical implications: Dog assisted therapy can offer an alternative treatment to patients with dementia that does not affect their health in a negative way but instead creates wellbeing and increases quality of life for the patients.