People who suffer with Dementia or Alzheimer’s have a harder time with everyday activities. It can be dangerous over time and without supervision it can put someone in a harmful situation. Usually people have to go to a Memory Care or Assisted Living Facility that has caregivers who watch over them. Having a service dog can offer assistance for someone who is living at home or even living in an assisted living facility. 

Research over the years has showed us that pets are good not only for everyone but even more so for people that suffer from any form of health issues. Not only have studies shown that your overall mood changes but it can also have benefits to your health by lowering blood pressure and your heart rates. People who have disabilities can find help with daily activities in their life with a highly trained dog.

Dogs are now being trained to specifically help with cognitive decline. According to research in Israel, a social working who specialized in caring for Alzheimer’s patients partnered with a professional dog trainer to help some of their patients. These dogs can help out with staff at facilities or help at home with people suffering with these diseases. They can provide stability, pick up items for someone in a wheelchair, or even alert someone who has hearing loss. These dogs are trained to help out with everyday tasks that patients have a hard time doing on their own. If someone is suffering with aging issues, cognitive decline.

Several points to consider from LTCNEWS.COM if you or someone you know suffers from Dementia or Alzheimer’s:

• These dogs provide unconditional love and affection.  This alone can improve mood and quality of life for many people.
• Depending on the situation, the individual can be given certain responsibilities to help with the animal. This might include walking the dog, putting down water or good and even simple pet grooming. This gives the person a sense of accomplishment and purpose.
• The dog can put some fun and enjoyment back into the person’s life. It can also add some fun or the caregiver and other family members as well.
• Sensory stimulation. Experts say as a person’s cognitive decline progresses additional sensory stimulation becomes even more important.  It can reduce stress, add comfort and even reduce agitation and anxiety.
• Opportunity for socialization. In some situations that might be able to talk about their dog and discuss the dog’s personality with others. This can also lead to better interaction with grandchildren and reduce the stress a young child might have interacting with Grandma or Grampa who might be suffering from health and memory issues.