Animal-assisted Interventions in Health Promotion for Elderly With Dementia

Animal-assisted Interventions in Health Promotion for Elderly With Dementia; Impact on Factors Related to Risk of Falls

The overall research aim of this study is to investigate changes in measures related to the risk of falls among elderly with dementia participating in animal-assisted interventions. Also relatives' experience of own and the elderly's situation during and after the intervention will be examined. The design will be a prospective and cluster randomized multicenter trial, but mixed-methods will be used to target different outcomes. The study population will be elderly (age above 65) at day care centers diagnosed with dementia, or having a cognitive deficit. The intervention will consist of 30 minutes sessions with animal-assisted activity or animal-assisted therapy two times a week for 12 weeks in groups of 4-6 participants. Control groups will receive treatment as usual. Research questions:

1. Is there an effect in use of ordinary and optional medication among elderly persons with dementia at day care centers participating in animal-assisted interventions compared to a control group?
2. Is there an effect on social interaction, quality of life, activeness and wellbeing among elderly persons with dementia at day care centers participating in animal-assisted interventions compared to a control group?
3. Is there an effect on balance among elderly persons with dementia at day care centers participating in animal-assisted therapy compared to animal-assisted activity or a control group?
4. Do relatives of elderly persons with dementia at day care centers experience a change in their own and the elderly's situation after the intervention compared with before the intervention started?

Inclusion Criteria:

• Diagnosis of dementia or having a cognitive deficit measured as a score less than 25 on Mini-Mental State Examination.

Exclusion Criteria:

• Fear of dogs, dog allergy or need of wheel chair