How to Help Alzheimer's with Animal Therapy
T.C. Capell lost both her mother and one of her dogs to Alzheimer's disease. Now she brings dogs into residential care centers, and witnesses first-hand the tangible impact a dog's love can have on patients with dementia. The dogs offer unconditional love and a positive, intellectually unthreatening connection. "You can walk a dog into a room full of blank faces,says one volunteer, and you have instant smiles and instant rapport. It doesn't just cheer them up, it actually builds positive memories and helps the brains keep functioning.
02/07/13
