Equine-Assisted Intervention and Alzheimer's Disease: A Non-randomized, Controlled, Multicenter Study

This study evaluated the psychological benefit of equine-assisted intervention (EAI) for older adults living with Alzheimer disease (AD). A non-randomized, controlled, multicenter study was conducted in 14 nursing homes. A total of 74 older adults were recruited and divided into three groups: a group benefiting from an EAI program, a group following an adapted physical activity program (APA), and a control group continuing their daily activities (CG). Psychological health was assessed. The results showed reduced psychobehavioral disorders by week six of EAI, improved quality of life, and slightly fewer depressive symptoms. No significant effect was found in the APA or CG groups. Conducted in response to the need for meaningful, non-pharmacological care approaches in AD, this study highlights the psychological benefits of EAI, partly due to environmental enrichment. EAI appears to be a promising complementary intervention to improve emotional well-being, quality of life, and comfort in individuals with AD, especially in institutional settings.