ASSOCIATION WITH COMPANION ANIMALS AND THE EXPRESSION OF NONCOGNITIVESYMPTOMS IN ALZHEIMERS PATIENTS

Interactions with companion animals have been shown to have socializin g and calming effects for Alzheimer's patients in an institutional set ting. Sixty-four Alzheimer's patients living in the private home were studied, through medical records and information provided by caregiver s, to determine what effect association with a companion animal had on the progression of cognitive decline and the manifestation of concomi tant noncognitive symptoms. Prevalence of episodes of verbal aggressio n and anxiety was reported less frequently in 34 patients who were exp osed to companion animals compared with patients who were not exposed. Significantly fewer mood disorders were reported in patients who were attached to their pets compared with patients who were not attached. There was no significant difference in the rate of cognitive decline b etween pet-exposed and nonexposed patients as measured by three standa rd indices. This study lends preliminary support to the belief that in teraction with pets can aid in tempering feelings of agitation and agg ression in Alzheimer's patients.