Ohio State University have released a new study that suggests an activity that could reduce the Alzheimer’s condition – and that activity is caring for horses.
The technical term for the activity is ‘Equine Therapy’ and it involves interaction with horses. It is normally used to treat those suffering from depression, autism and cerebral palsy, however researchers have found that this method could also work for those suffering with Alzheimer’s disease.
Alzheimer’s disease affects more than 35 million people in the world and has many symptoms, the main ones being memory loss, mood changes and anxiety.
Although finding a cure to the disease is the top priority, it is also important to find ways to ease the suffering of those who have been diagnosed, and that is exactly what Holly Dabelko-Schoeny, an associate professor at Ohio State and co-author of this study wants to do.
Our focus is on the ‘now.’ What can we do to make them feel better and enjoy themselves right now? Even if they don’t remember it later, how can we help in this moment?” she says.
Equine therapy research and results
16 patients with Alzheimer’s were assessed, and all of them had previously participated in some type of activity-based experiment that attempts to manage the disease.
For this study, eight of the patients continued with their usual activities, while the remaining eight took part in equine therapy at a farm once a week for one month. During the equine therapy the patients were instructed to feed the horses, as well as groom, bathe and walk them.
The researchers monitored the patients’ behaviour during all of the activities and were able to determine how often a participant resisted, fidgeted, became angry or upset. A score of zero signified that the patients never engaged in these behaviours, while a score of four meant the patients frequently displayed such behaviours.
The researchers found that the patients who participated in the equine therapy scored an average of one point lower than those who continued with their usual activities.
The researchers also noticed that for patients with less severe Alzheimer’s, equine therapy led to an increase in cortisol levels. They were surprised to find that some patients who took part in equine therapy showed increased physical activity, and this increased with every session.
Overall, the researchers concluded that those who participated in the equine therapy benefitted from their sessions and as such there is a potentially feasible strategy for individuals with Alzheimer’s disease to partake in the therapy.
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