Equine therapy, also known as horse therapy, has shown to have significant benefits for individuals with Alzheimer’s disease. This type of therapy involves spending time with horses in a natural setting, which has been found to improve socialization and mood in patients. Researchers at the University of Tours in France conducted a study with 34 Alzheimer’s patients, where they compared the effects of equine-assisted therapy to music therapy.
The study included 30 women and four men between the ages of 80 and 98 who were living in nursing homes. The results indicated that equine therapy had a more positive impact on the participants compared to music therapy. The calming presence of the horses and the natural environment seemed to have a comforting effect on the patients, making them more sociable and improving their overall mood.
While music therapy is a well-established form of therapy for individuals with dementia, the findings from this study suggest that equine therapy could be a valuable alternative or complementary approach. The gentle nature of horses, combined with the outdoor setting, creates a unique and therapeutic environment for Alzheimer’s patients.
In addition to the social and mood benefits, interacting with horses can also provide physical benefits for individuals with Alzheimer’s disease. Grooming, petting, and walking with the horses can help improve motor skills, coordination, and strength in patients. The sensory experience of being around horses, feeling their warmth and hearing their gentle sounds, can also stimulate the senses and cognitive functions in individuals with dementia.
Overall, equine therapy shows great promise as a holistic approach to supporting individuals with Alzheimer’s disease. The connection between humans and animals has long been recognized for its therapeutic effects, and incorporating horses into dementia care could offer unique advantages. As more research is conducted in this area, equine therapy may become more widely recognized and utilized in the treatment of Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia.
