Context
According to the World Health Organization, dementia is a syndrome in which there is a deterioration of memory, reasoning, behavior and the ability to carry out daily activities. There are 55 million people with dementia worldwide and nearly 10 million new cases appear each year. Dementia has physical, psychological, social and economic consequences for people with the disease, but also for carers, families and society at large.
There was evidence of the use of service dogs by people with dementia on the websites of health organizations in Scotland and a few service dog training schools (e.g. Wilderwood Service Dogs, 2022). It was also mentioned that dogs could also support caregivers who live with people with dementia. On the other hand, there was no research data on the actual use of neurological service dogs in 2019.
Objective
We explored how “neurological” service dogs can help caregivers and people with dementia at home, through interviews, questionnaires and activity monitors. We confirmed 2 hypotheses out of 4.
Results
From 2019 to 2021, 112 participants were recruited, forming 56 pairs of people with dementia and caregivers. Of those 56 pairs, 28 had a companion dog, 23 had no dog, and 5 had a neurological service dog. The neurological service dog can play 5 roles and tasks in the lives of people with dementia. In addition, 7 benefits and 5 considerations were highlighted regarding the use of a neurological service dog (see infographics).
Our qualitative analyzes confirm our first two hypotheses that the presence of a neurological service dog or a companion dog 1) has a positive impact on both the person with dementia and their caregiver (e.g. reduced stress and increased independence), and 2) increases human presence around the person with dementia and opportunities for social engagement (e.g. more outings).
Our quantitative analyzes do not confirm our 3rd hypothesis. Indeed, it has not been shown that neurological service dogs are a cost-effective or value-added alternative to companion dogs, nor that companion dogs are a cost-effective alternative to not having a dog.
Finally, our 4th hypothesis is partially confirmed. It has been shown that the level of exercise and the quality of sleep are better in the group of neurological service dogs from a qualitative point of view only. Indeed, the activity monitors did not demonstrate enough statistical difference for the level of physical activity and the quality of sleep to be better than a companion dog or not having a dog.
The attached infographic was given to associations and organizations helping people with dementia or supporting caregivers. It illustrates the roles and tasks of the neurological service dog, the positive impacts following the use of such a dog as well as certain considerations to consider.
In addition, the attached summary of results was given to project participants. It contains a presentation of the project, the population, the measurement tools and the most important results.
Read the article published in Sage Journals: Roles and usages of neuro service dogs for caregivers living at home with persons with dementia: An exploratory comparative case study
Finally, check out the webinar hosted by the Alzheimer Society of Canada as part of their Dementia Talks – Summer 2023.
Funding agency: The Alzheimer Foundation of Canada
