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. 2003 Nov-Dec;18(6):353-8.
doi: 10.1177/153331750301800610.

Effects of animal-assisted therapy on agitated behaviors and social interactions of older adults with dementia

Nancy E Richeson  1
Affiliations

Effects of animal-assisted therapy on agitated behaviors and social interactions of older adults with dementia

Nancy E Richeson. Am J Alzheimers Dis Other Demen. 2003 Nov-Dec.

Abstract

The effects of a therapeutic recreation intervention using animal-assisted therapy (AAT) on the agitated behaviors and social interactions of older adults with dementia were examined using the Cohen-Mansfield Agitation Inventory and the Animal-Assisted Therapy Flow Sheet. In a pilot study, 15 nursing home residents with dementia participated in a daily AAT intervention for three weeks. Results showed statistically significant decreases in agitated behaviors and a statistically significant increase in social interaction pretest to post-test.

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References

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