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P3‐416: Is a Diagnosis of MCI a Blessing or a Curse?
Author(s) -
Astell Arlene J.,
Gomersall Tim,
Blewett Charlotte,
Smith Sarah
Publication year - 2016
Publication title -
alzheimer's and dementia
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 6.713
H-Index - 118
eISSN - 1552-5279
pISSN - 1552-5260
DOI - 10.1016/j.jalz.2016.06.2083
Subject(s) - blessing , psychosocial , psychology , mood , coping (psychology) , general partnership , cognition , anxiety , quality of life (healthcare) , curse , clinical psychology , gerontology , medicine , psychiatry , psychotherapist , sociology , archaeology , finance , anthropology , economics , history
Background:Non-pharmaceutical approaches tailored to psycho-social needs are proving to be successful interventions. This pilot measured the effectiveness of the human-equine interaction on key psycho-social indicators for the defined population. For centuries horses have relied on their abilities to adapt to change, sense their environment, and utilize the interdependence of the herd to thrive. Facilitators bring awareness to these instinctual characteristics while encouraging participants to utilize the power of connections and to build awareness and skills to adapt to changes. The connection between people and horses has proven to be therapeutic in many populations due to the nonjudgmental, unconditional interactions animals offer. The human-horse connection is especially powerful as horses’ behaviors act as mirrors to participants and provide clarity, strength and healing. Methods:The pre and post test design utilized neurocognitive standardized instruments including measures of stress, burden, mood/depression, behaviors, and social support for the care partner and the person with dementia. The study included ten volunteer care partner/person with dementia dyads, six participated in the full workshops, and four participated in modified workshops due to physical/cognitive limitations. Diverse dyads included mother/daughter, husband/wife, and care manager/client relationships. Results:The results were promising despite the small sample size. Quantitative and qualitative indicators showed an overall positive trend in measures of support, burden, stress, and sleep, with a decrease in undesired behaviors, and positive increases in dyad communication. Conclusions: Qualitative indices show positive change in key variables. Researchers are developing protocols for expandedmultisite studies. Future studies should consider separating the testing component from the workshop, expanding the modified program and developing an appropriate control group.