Animal-assisted therapy and Nutrition in Alzheimer's disease.
This study examined the influence of animal-assisted therapy, specifically fish aquariums, on nutritional intake in individuals with Alzheimer's disease (AD). Sixty-two individuals with AD who lived in specialized units were studied. Baseline nutritional data were obtained followed by a 2-week treatment period when the aquariums were introduced. The treatment data were collected daily for 2 weeks then weekly for 6 weeks. Nutritional intake increased significantly (21.1%; p <.001) when the aquariums were introduced and continued to increase during the 6-week weekly follow-up. Weight increased significantly (1.65 lbs; p < .001) over the 16-week period In addition, participants required less nutritional supplementation, resulting in health care cost savings.
D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D000544:Alzheimer Disease / Q000523:psychology* / Q000628:therapy*; D000818:Animals; D001835:Body Weight; D002149:Energy Intake; D005260:Female; D006757:Hospital Units; D001841:Human-Animal Bond; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D009747:Nutritional Physiological Phenomena