What benefit does pet therapy provide for patients with advanced Alzheimer's?

Pet therapy has been shown to offer significant benefits to patients with advanced Alzheimer’s disease, primarily by reducing stress and improving mood. Engaging with pets, such as dogs or cats, can evoke positive emotional responses, which is particularly valuable for individuals experiencing the challenges associated with advanced stages of the disease. These interactions often lead to decreased agitation, anxiety, and feelings of isolation, creating a more comforting and enjoyable environment for the patient.

While some might hope that pet therapy can enhance cognitive functions such as memory retention or verbal communication, these outcomes are less reliably supported in advanced Alzheimer's disease. The primary focus of pet therapy is to provide emotional support and companionship, rather than addressing cognitive deficits directly. Therefore, the emphasis on stress reduction and mood improvement accurately reflects the profound emotional and psychological benefits that such therapy can provide to patients in this stage of the disease.