Nearly 5.4 million Americans are affected by dementia (Alzheimer’s Association, 2016). Memory loss, depression, and decreased quality of life often arise from changes in the person with dementia’s (PWD) ability to communicate (Acton et al., 2007). This leads to difficulties for caregivers to communicate with persons with dementia. The purpose of this investigation was to examine the use of dog-assisted therapy as a means for increasing communication by facilitating reminiscence in PWD in order to increase quality of life. Speech language pathologists may be able to implement a therapy dog program to maximize communication efficiency and maintain the PWD’s ability to direct their health care. The effect of dog assisted therapy for PWD has been examined in inpatient and long-term settings in the United States and internationally. Literature supports the link between dog assisted therapy and social communication across geographic areas (Boyer & Mundschenk, 2014; Greer et al., 2001). This study used a single subject (small n) ABAB research design to investigate if a functional relationship exited between reminiscence intervention without a therapy dog (Phase A1 and A2) and reminiscence intervention with a therapy dog (B1 and B2) for communication and quality of life for adults with mild to moderate dementia. Results of this investigation revealed increased overall self-perceived quality of life pre- and post-intervention, indicating that the use of a therapy dog and reminiscence therapy had a positive effect on cognitive disorders. Findings contribute to the existing research base that suggests the use of a therapy dog with reminiscence therapy improves communication and quality of life for PWD.
Key Words: speech therapy, animal assisted therapy, geriatrics, cognition
