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Shoesmith E, Surr C, Ratschen E. Animal-assisted and robotic animal-assisted interventions within dementia care: A systematic review. DEMENTIA 2023; 22:664-693. [PMID: 36765455 PMCID: PMC10014823 DOI: 10.1177/14713012231155985] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/12/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Animal-assisted interventions and robotic animal interventions are becoming increasingly popular to support the care of people with dementia and may have the potential to improve a range of psychosocial outcomes. This review aims to identify, describe, and compare animal-assisted and robotic animal interventions delivered to people with dementia, their characteristics, effectiveness, and the proposed mechanisms underlying any potential impact. METHODS A systematic literature search was conducted in MEDLINE, AMED, EMBASE, PsycINFO, OVID Nursing, PubMed, CINAHL and Web of Science. Random-effects meta-analyses of randomised controlled trials (RCTs) were conducted to summarise studies that evaluated common outcomes (agitation, depression, quality of life). A narrative approach was used to synthesise other findings. RESULTS Fifty-one studies were included: 18 RCTs; 12 non-randomised trials, 13 cohort studies, 7 qualitative studies and one mixed-methods study. Meta-analyses were conducted for a small number of RCTs, with effectiveness of animal-assisted interventions demonstrated for agitation. Narrative findings suggested animal-assisted and robotic animal interventions may be promising in improving depression, agitation, and quality of life. Three potential mechanisms of action were identified for both animal-assisted and robotic animal interventions, namely enhancing social connections, providing engaging and meaningful activities, and the affect-generating aspect of the human-animal bond. A fourth mechanism was identified for animal-assisted interventions only: promoting physical activity. Robotic animals appear to have a place in complex human-animal relationships, but a greater understanding of robotic animal interventions is required to harness the benefits that may be derived from their use. CONCLUSION Delivering these interventions appear promising in improving psychosocial outcomes for people with dementia. As most included studies had methodological limitations, these findings are preliminary, but contribute to the body of evidence providing an understanding in terms of intervention characteristics and mechanisms of action. When developing intervention guidance, attention should be given to potential mechanisms and fundamental characteristics such as session content, delivery format and facilitator role.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Claire Surr
- Centre for Dementia Research, 4467Leeds Beckett University, UK
| | - Elena Ratschen
- Department of Health Sciences, 8748University of York, UK
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Burley CV, Burns K, Brodaty H. Pharmacological and nonpharmacological approaches to reduce disinhibited behaviors in dementia: a systematic review. Int Psychogeriatr 2022; 34:1-17. [PMID: 35331345 DOI: 10.1017/s1041610222000151] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Disinhibited behaviors in dementia are associated with multiple negative outcomes. However, effective interventions are under-researched. This systematic review aims to provide an overview of intervention studies that report outcome measures of disinhibited behaviors in dementia. DESIGN Systematic searches of the databases MEDLINE, EMBASE, and PsychINFO, Social Work Abstracts and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trial databases were conducted for publications published between 2002 and March 2020. We included hand-searched reviews, original articles, case reports, cohort studies, and randomized controlled trials (RCTs). All studies were rated for research quality. Statistical and clinical significance were considered for individual studies. Effect sizes were included where provided or calculated where possible. Mean effect sizes were calculated for RCTs only. PARTICIPANTS The systematic review included studies involving people living with dementia. MEASUREMENTS The Neuropsychiatric Inventory disinhibition subscale was used most often. RESULTS Nine pharmacological and 21 nonpharmacological intervention studies utilized different theoretical/clinical approaches. These included pain management, antidepressants, models of care, education and/or training, music-based approaches, and physical activity. The quality of research in RCTs was strong with a greater effect size in nonpharmacological compared to pharmacological approaches (mean Cohen's d = 0.49 and 0.27, respectively). Disinhibition was a secondary outcome in all studies. CONCLUSION Pharmacological (including pain management and antidepressants) and, more so, nonpharmacological (models of care, education/training, physical activity, and music) approaches were effective in reducing disinhibition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claire V Burley
- Dementia Centre for Research Collaboration, School of Psychiatry, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia
- Centre for Healthy Brain Ageing (CHeBA), School of Psychiatry, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Kim Burns
- Dementia Centre for Research Collaboration, School of Psychiatry, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia
- Centre for Healthy Brain Ageing (CHeBA), School of Psychiatry, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Henry Brodaty
- Dementia Centre for Research Collaboration, School of Psychiatry, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia
- Centre for Healthy Brain Ageing (CHeBA), School of Psychiatry, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia
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3
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Babka JR, Lane KR, Johnson RA. Animal-Assisted Interventions for Dementia: A Systematic Review. Res Gerontol Nurs 2021; 14:317-324. [PMID: 34605732 DOI: 10.3928/19404921-20210924-01] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Behavioral and psychological symptoms of dementia (BPSD) can be devastating for people who have dementia and their families. More than 5 million Americans are living with dementia, and approximately 97% of these individuals have BPSD, including agitation, aggression, anxiety, depression, apathy, sleep disturbances, wandering, and disinhibition. Animal-assisted interventions (AAI) have increasingly been used to treat these symptoms in individuals with dementia and constitute an optimal nonpharmacological treatment strategy. The current review aims to explore the literature regarding AAI in treating BPSD. Of 3,573 publications reviewed, 15 articles met inclusion criteria. All studies included a type of AAI exploring BPSD within individuals with dementia. The systematic review unveils AAI may be beneficial for those with dementia; however, further research is necessary to address limitations in the existing literature. [Research in Gerontological Nursing, 14(6), 317-324.].
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Bryce CM. Dogs as Pets and Pests: Global Patterns of Canine Abundance, Activity, and Health. Integr Comp Biol 2021; 61:154-165. [PMID: 33940621 DOI: 10.1093/icb/icab046] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Dogs (Canis familiaris) were the first domesticated species and, at an estimated population of 1 billion individuals, are globally ubiquitous today. Describing the tremendous morphometric diversity and evolutionary origins of dogs is a scientific endeavor that predates Darwin, yet our interdisciplinary understanding of the species is just beginning. Here, I present global trends in dog abundance, activity, and health. While the human-dog relationship has for millennia been close, it is also complicated. As pets, companion dogs are often treated as family members and constitute the largest sector of the ever-growing >$200 billion USD global pet care industry. As pests, free-roaming dogs are an emerging threat to native species via both predation and nonconsumptive effects (e.g., disturbance, competition for resources, and hybridization). Furthermore, I briefly discuss mounting evidence of dogs as not only infectious disease reservoirs but also as bridges for the transmission of pathogens between wild animals and humans in zoonotic spillover events, triggering intensive dog population management strategies such as culling. Dog mobility across the urban-wildland interface is an important driver for this and other adverse effects of canines on wildlife populations and is an active topic of disease ecologists and conservation biologists. Other canine scientists, including veterinary clinicians and physiologists, study more mechanistic aspects of dog mobility: the comparative kinetics, kinematics, and energetics of dog locomotor health. I outline the prevalent methodological approaches and breed-specific findings within dog activity and health research, then conclude by recognizing promising technologies that are bridging disciplinary gaps in canine science.
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Affiliation(s)
- Caleb M Bryce
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, University of California Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, CA 95060, USA
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5
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Webster L, Costafreda Gonzalez S, Stringer A, Lineham A, Budgett J, Kyle S, Barber J, Livingston G. Measuring the prevalence of sleep disturbances in people with dementia living in care homes: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Sleep 2021; 43:5601416. [PMID: 31633188 PMCID: PMC7157185 DOI: 10.1093/sleep/zsz251] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2019] [Revised: 09/27/2019] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Study Objectives Sleep disturbances are a feature in people living with dementia, including getting up during the night, difficulty falling asleep, and excessive daytime sleepiness and may precipitate a person with dementia moving into residential care. There are varying estimates of the frequency of sleep disturbances, and it is unknown whether they are a problem for the individual. We conducted the first systematic review and meta-analysis on the prevalence and associated factors of sleep disturbances in the care home population with dementia. Methods We searched Embase, MEDLINE, and PsycINFO (29/04/2019) for studies of the prevalence or associated factors of sleep disturbances in people with dementia living in care homes. We computed meta-analytical estimates of the prevalence of sleep disturbances and used meta-regression to investigate the effects of measurement methods, demographics, and study characteristics. Results We included 55 studies of 22,780 participants. The pooled prevalence on validated questionnaires of clinically significant sleep disturbances was 20% (95% confidence interval, CI 16% to 24%) and of any symptom of sleep disturbance was 38% (95% CI 33% to 44%). On actigraphy using a cutoff sleep efficiency of <85% prevalence was 70% (95% CI 55% to 85%). Staff distress, resident agitation, and prescription of psychotropic medications were associated with sleep disturbances. Studies with a higher percentage of males had a higher prevalence of sleep disturbance. Conclusions Clinically significant sleep disturbances are less common than those measured on actigraphy and are associated with residents and staff distress and the increased prescription of psychotropics. Actigraphy appears to offer no benefit over proxy reports in this population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lucy Webster
- Division of Psychiatry, University College London, London, UK
- Corresponding author. Lucy Webster, Division of Psychiatry, University College London, 6th Floor Maple House, 149 Tottenham Court Road, London, W1T 7NF, UK.
| | - Sergi Costafreda Gonzalez
- Division of Psychiatry, University College London, London, UK
- Camden and Islington NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
| | | | - Amy Lineham
- University College London Medical School, London, UK
| | - Jessica Budgett
- Division of Psychiatry, University College London, London, UK
| | - Simon Kyle
- Sleep and Circadian Neuroscience Institute, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Julie Barber
- Department of Statistical Science, University College London, London, UK
| | - Gill Livingston
- Division of Psychiatry, University College London, London, UK
- Camden and Islington NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
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6
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Vegue Parra E, Hernández Garre JM, Echevarría Pérez P. Benefits of Dog-Assisted Therapy in Patients with Dementia Residing in Aged Care Centers in Spain. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2021; 18:ijerph18041471. [PMID: 33557254 PMCID: PMC7914582 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph18041471] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2020] [Revised: 01/26/2021] [Accepted: 01/31/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
(1) Background: Currently, the scientific evidence on the benefits of assisted therapy with dogs in dementia is not clear. In this study, we want to evaluate such benefits through a randomized controlled clinical trial in multiple centers across the country. (2) Methods: The participants were people over 65 years old with dementia, residing in senior centers in Spain (n = 334). The experimental group underwent assisted therapy with dogs based on the Comprehensive Cognitive Activation Program in Dementia, for 8 months, with weekly sessions of 45 min. Data were collected at the commencement, middle, and end of the program, to evaluate the aspects using the Mini-Examination Cognitive, the modified Bartell Index, the Cornell Scale for Depression in Dementia and the Neuropsychiatric Inventory. (3) Results: The results show significant improvements in the experimental group versus the control group in the affective (T1 = p 0.000; T2 = p 0.000) and behavioral (T1 = p 0.005; T2 = p 0.000) aspects, with the affective aspect displaying greater progress in participants with additional depressive (p = 0.022) or anxiety (p = 0.000) disorders, shorter institutionalization periods (r = −0.222, p = 0.004), and those undergoing complementary psychotherapy (p = 0.033) or alternative therapy (p = 0.011). (4) Conclusions: Dog therapy is effective in improving the affective and behavioral aspects of institutionalized patients with dementia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eva Vegue Parra
- Health Sciences PhD Program, Campus de los Jerónimos nº135, Universidad Católica de Murcia (UCAM), Guadalupe, 30107 Murcia, Spain;
| | - Jose Manuel Hernández Garre
- Department of Political Sciences, Social Anthropology and Public Finance, Calle Campus Universitario, University of Murcia, s/n, El Puntal, 30100 Murcia, Spain;
| | - Paloma Echevarría Pérez
- Health Sciences PhD Program, Campus de los Jerónimos nº135, Universidad Católica de Murcia (UCAM), Guadalupe, 30107 Murcia, Spain;
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +34-628213984
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Hughes MJ, Verreynne ML, Harpur P, Pachana NA. Companion Animals and Health in Older Populations: A Systematic Review. Clin Gerontol 2020; 43:365-377. [PMID: 31423915 DOI: 10.1080/07317115.2019.1650863] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES . The aim of this systematic literature review (SLR) was to investigate the effect of companion animals (whether simply as pets or used in more formal intervention approaches) on the physical and mental health of older adults (aged 60+). METHODS . The reviewers identified key search terms and conducted a systematic search of the PsycINFO and PubMed databases. The 70 articles reviewed were evaluated through tabular and thematic analysis. RESULTS . In 52 of the studies examined, companion animals positively contributed to the mental and/or physical health of older adults. With respect to mental health, involvement with a companion animal improved participant quality of life and effectively attenuated symptoms of depression, anxiety, cognitive impairment, and the behavioral and psychiatric symptoms of dementia (BPSD). In relation to physical health, marked increases in physical activity and improvements in blood pressure and heart rate variability were the only consistent physical health improvements observed from companion animal interactions. CONCLUSIONS . Animal companionship can benefit the mental and physical health of older adults, although more and better controlled research on this topic is required. CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS . Use of companion animals has the potential to be an effective treatment or adjunct therapy to improve the health status and quality of life of older individuals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael J Hughes
- School of Psychology, The University of Queensland , Brisbane, Australia
| | | | - Paul Harpur
- TC Beirne School of Law, The University of Queensland , Brisbane, Australia
| | - Nancy A Pachana
- School of Psychology, The University of Queensland , Brisbane, Australia
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Jain B, Syed S, Hafford-Letchfield T, O'Farrell-Pearce S. Dog-assisted interventions and outcomes for older adults in residential long-term care facilities: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Int J Older People Nurs 2020; 15:e12320. [PMID: 32394594 DOI: 10.1111/opn.12320] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/21/2019] [Revised: 03/26/2020] [Accepted: 04/03/2020] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To comprehensively review studies on dog-assisted interventions (DAIs) among older people in residential long-term care facilities (RLTCFs) and to provide an overview of their interventions, outcomes and methodological quality. METHOD We searched 18 electronic databases to identify English articles (published January 2000-December 2019) reporting on well-defined DAIs targeting older adults (≥65 years) in RLTCF. Data were extracted by two independent reviewers. Descriptive statistics were produced for quantitative studies, with key themes identified among qualitative studies. Where possible, estimates were pooled from randomised controlled trials using random effects meta-analyses. RESULTS Forty-three relevant studies (39 quantitative; 4 qualitative) were identified. The majority of quantitative studies were assessed as low-quality according to the MMAT criteria (n = 26, 67%). Almost half of the quantitative studies (n = 18, 46%) found no significant changes over time or between groups across outcomes measured. The most salient intervention effects included improved social functioning (n = 10), reduced depressive symptoms (n = 6) and loneliness (n = 5). A random-effects meta-analysis revealed a medium effect in favour of DAT on reducing depressive or loneliness symptoms (pooled SMD: 0.66, 95%CI 0.21-1.11; I2 = 50.5; five trials), relative to treatment as usual. However, compared to treatment as usual, no overall effect of DAI on activities of daily living was detected (p = .737). Key themes from qualitative studies included (a) animals as effective transitional objects, (b) the therapeutic value of pets and (c) the significance of the care environment and stakeholders in facilitating DAI. IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE The findings of this review indicate that while DAI has value for older people in RLTCF, challenges remain in accurately measuring its impact to provide a stronger evidence-base. Standardisation of DAI service design, delivery and evaluation is required for future research and practice in providing holistic care for older adults.
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Affiliation(s)
- Briony Jain
- Department of Mental Health and Social Work, Middlesex University, London, UK
| | - Shabeer Syed
- Department of Mental Health and Social Work, Middlesex University, London, UK
| | - Trish Hafford-Letchfield
- Department of Mental Health and Social Work, Middlesex University, London, UK.,School of Social Work and Social Policy, University of Strathclyde, Glasgow, UK
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9
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‘It gives you more to life, it's something new every day’: an Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis of wellbeing in older care home residents who keep a personal pet. AGEING & SOCIETY 2020. [DOI: 10.1017/s0144686x19001880] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
AbstractThere is a substantial amount of literature that suggests that animals, and specifically animals kept as pets, can have a positive effect on wellbeing. Research exploring the impact of animals on wellbeing in care homes mainly concerns visiting animals as well as shared communal pets. In light of the lack of research regarding personal pets in care homes, the aim of this study was to explore what the experience of keeping a personal pet in a care home means for residents’ sense of wellbeing. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with seven care home residents who were currently living with their pet in a care home. Interviews were analysed using Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA). Analysis revealed four master themes deemed to be relevant to participants’ wellbeing. these were: ‘sense of self and identity’, ‘responsibility and ownership’, ‘motivation and desire to live’ and ‘feeling content in the care home’. The analysis indicated that living with a personal pet in a care home has the potential to enhance residents’ wellbeing. At the same time, it also found that the benefits of keeping a personal pet may be dependent on specific circumstances, such as the attitudes of staff and fellow residents at the care home. This study indicates that it may be advisable for more care homes to accept personal pets.
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10
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Hung L, Liu C, Woldum E, Au-Yeung A, Berndt A, Wallsworth C, Horne N, Gregorio M, Mann J, Chaudhury H. The benefits of and barriers to using a social robot PARO in care settings: a scoping review. BMC Geriatr 2019; 19:232. [PMID: 31443636 PMCID: PMC6708202 DOI: 10.1186/s12877-019-1244-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 83] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/22/2018] [Accepted: 08/11/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Given the complexity of providing dementia care in hospitals, integrating technology into practice is a high challenge and an important opportunity. Although there are a growing demand and interest in using social robots in a variety of care settings to support dementia care, little is known about the impacts of the robotics and their application in care settings, i.e., what worked, in which situations, and how. Methods Scientific databases and Google Scholar were searched to identify publications published since 2000. The inclusion criteria consisted of older people with dementia, care setting, and social robot PARO. Results A total of 29 papers were included in the review. Content analysis identified 3 key benefits of and 3 barriers to the use of PARO. Main benefits include: reducing negative emotion and behavioral symptoms, improving social engagement, and promoting positive mood and quality of care experience. Key barriers are: cost and workload, infection concerns, and stigma and ethical issues. This review reveals 3 research gaps: (a) the users’ needs and experiences remain unexplored, (b) few studies investigate the process of how to use the robot effectively to meet clinical needs, and (c) theory should be used to guide implementation. Conclusions Most interventions conducted have been primarily researcher-focused. Future research should pay more attention to the clinical needs of the patient population and develop strategies to overcome barriers to the adoption of PARO in order to maximize patient benefits. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (10.1186/s12877-019-1244-6) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lillian Hung
- Gerontology Research Centre, Simon Fraser University, Room 2818, 2800-515 West Hastings Street, Vancouver, BC, V6B 5K3, Canada. .,University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada.
| | - Cindy Liu
- University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada
| | - Evan Woldum
- University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada
| | | | - Annette Berndt
- Community Engagement Advocacy Network at Vancouver Coastal Health, Vancouver, Canada
| | - Christine Wallsworth
- Community Engagement Advocacy Network at Vancouver Coastal Health, Vancouver, Canada
| | - Neil Horne
- Community Engagement Advocacy Network at Vancouver Coastal Health, Vancouver, Canada
| | - Mario Gregorio
- Community Engagement Advocacy Network at Vancouver Coastal Health, Vancouver, Canada
| | - Jim Mann
- Community Engagement Advocacy Network at Vancouver Coastal Health, Vancouver, Canada
| | - Habib Chaudhury
- Gerontology Research Centre, Simon Fraser University, Room 2818, 2800-515 West Hastings Street, Vancouver, BC, V6B 5K3, Canada
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11
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Aarskog NK, Hunskår I, Bruvik F. Animal-Assisted Interventions With Dogs and Robotic Animals for Residents With Dementia in Nursing Homes: A Systematic Review. PHYSICAL & OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY IN GERIATRICS 2019. [DOI: 10.1080/02703181.2019.1613466] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Affiliation(s)
| | - Irene Hunskår
- Faculty of Health, VID Specialized University, Bergen, Norway
| | - Frøydis Bruvik
- Haraldsplass Deaconess University Hospital, Bergen, Norway
- Department of Global Public Health and Primary Care, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
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12
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Pros and cons of pet ownership in sustaining independence in community-dwelling older adults: a scoping review. AGEING & SOCIETY 2019. [DOI: 10.1017/s0144686x19000382] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
AbstractAlthough community services support ageing-in-place, older adults often report feelings of loneliness and social isolation. Unmet emotional needs are associated with poorer health, reduced functional abilities and increased mortality in this population. Pet ownership is an avenue worth exploring to reduce these adverse outcomes. This scoping review maps main findings and identifies key gaps with respect to the pros and cons of pet ownership in community-dwelling older adults pertaining to psycho-social, physical and functional outcomes. Scientific and grey literature published from January 2000 to July 2018 was searched. Data selection and extraction were performed by the first author and a sub-sample was co-validated by two co-authors. A total of 62 sources were included for descriptive and thematic analysis. A variety of pros (increased physical activity, wellbeing) and cons (grief, risk of falls) pertaining to psycho-social and physical outcomes were identified. Not many functional outcomes (support for daily routines) were mentioned, and few studies explored the simultaneous balance between the pros and cons of pet care. Further research exploring both clinicians’ and older pet owners’ perspectives is needed to deepen our understanding of the importance of considering companion animals in older adults’ daily lives and to strike a balance between perceived risks and benefits.
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Ein N, Li L, Vickers K. The effect of pet therapy on the physiological and subjective stress response: A meta-analysis. Stress Health 2018; 34:477-489. [PMID: 29882342 DOI: 10.1002/smi.2812] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2017] [Revised: 03/06/2018] [Accepted: 04/08/2018] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
Studies have reported that exposure to pet therapy (PT) can reduce physiological and subjective stress and anxiety levels. The aim of this meta-analysis is to examine the efficacy of PT as a method for reducing physiological stress levels (blood pressure and heart rate) and subjective stress and anxiety scores (self-reported stress/anxiety). Further, we examined the effects of sample characteristics and modifications to the PT (different age groups and health status of participants across samples, whether a stressor was present, and individual versus group PT) as potential moderators of the relationship between PT and stress reactivity. Our searches incorporated articles published from May 2017 and earlier in PsycINFO, MEDLINE, and PubMed. This meta-analysis included 28 articles with 34 independent samples and contained a total of 1,310 participants. Using a random effects model, we determined that significant differences occurred in heart rate, self-reported anxiety, and self-reported stress after PT exposure compared with before PT. However, we did not detect significant differences in blood pressure after PT. Sample characteristics and modifications to the PT significantly moderated the effect of PT on stress responses. Our results suggest that PT can be an effective program for reducing stress reactivity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natalie Ein
- Department of Psychology, Ryerson University, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Lingqian Li
- Department of Psychology, Ryerson University, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Kristin Vickers
- Department of Psychology, Ryerson University, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
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