Animal-Assisted Interventions With Dogs and Robotic Animals for Residents With Dementia in Nursing Homes: A Systematic Review

Abstract

Aims: To provide a systematic overview of the effects of animal-assisted intervention (AAI) when using either dogs or robotic animals, for residents with dementia in nursing homes.

Methods: Extensive literature searches were conducted between June 2015 and March 2018. Articles meeting the inclusion criteria were identified, systematically extracted and quality assessed using the critical appraisal skills program.

Results: Fifteen articles with 26 outcome analysis on behavioral and psychological symptoms (n = 12), depression and/or mood (n = 9) and quality of life (n = 5) were included in this review. AAI reduced behavioral and psychological symptoms in 6 of 11 articles, reduced depression and/or improved mood in 6 of 9 articles, and improved quality of life in 3 of 5 articles.

Conclusions: AAI by dogs or robotic animals is promising in reducing behavioral and psychological symptoms and depression, and improving mood and quality of life among residents with dementia living in nursing homes.

Keywords:

• Animal-assisted intervention (AAI)
• animal-assisted therapy (AAT)
• animal-assisted activity (AAA)
• dog-assisted intervention (DAI)
• dogs
• robotic animals
• nursing homes
• dementia

Disclosure statement

The authors declare no conflicts of interest.