Title : Exploring neurocognitive stimulation in dementia through equine-assisted therapy: A RCT
Abstract:
For the conference presentation, I will discuss the potential of Equine-Assisted Therapy (EAT) as an innovative non-pharmacological intervention for individuals with mild to moderate dementia. My presentation will focus on the findings of a pilot study comparing EAT workshops with traditional memory workshops (TMW) and a control group (CG), exploring how these interventions impact cognitive function, depressive symptoms, and quality of life.
The study involved 36 participants aged 65 and older, all diagnosed with early-to-middle-stage dementia. They were randomly assigned to one of three groups: the Equine-Assisted Therapy Workshop (EATW), the Traditional Memory Workshop (TMW), or the Control Group (CG). The intervention lasted for 8 weeks, with weekly 60-minute sessions designed to engage participants in activities aimed at cognitive and emotional stimulation.
The assessment tools used in this study included the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) for cognitive function, the Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS) for depressive symptoms, and the Quality of Life in Alzheimer’s Disease-Nursing Home version (QoL-AD NH) for quality of life. These standardized measures were administered at both baseline and post-intervention to track changes across the three groups.
Preliminary results indicate that the EATW group experienced significant benefits, showing marked improvements in cognitive function, reductions in depressive symptoms, and an increase in overall quality of life. In comparison, the TMW group exhibited modest cognitive gains but no emotional improvements, while the control group showed declines in both cognitive function and mood.
The presentation will highlight these findings, underscoring the therapeutic potential of EAT not only in enhancing cognitive abilities but also in promoting emotional well-being. EAT offers a holistic approach that addresses the multifaceted needs of individuals with dementia, demonstrating promise as a valuable complement to more traditional interventions like memory workshops. This discussion will aim to emphasize the importance of integrating innovative and multidisciplinary approaches in dementia care to improve mental health and quality of life outcomes for this population.
