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

Area of Science:

• Gerontology
• Neuroscience
• Psychology

Background:

• Alzheimer disease (AD) presents significant challenges for older adults, necessitating effective non-pharmacological interventions.
• Existing care models often lack sufficient focus on psychological well-being and environmental enrichment for AD patients.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the psychological benefits of equine-assisted intervention (EAI) for older adults diagnosed with Alzheimer disease (AD).
• To compare the effects of EAI with adapted physical activity (APA) and a control group (CG) on psychological health outcomes.

Main Methods:

• A multicenter, non-randomized controlled study involving 74 older adults with AD across 14 nursing homes.
• Participants were assigned to an EAI program, an adapted physical activity (APA) program, or a control group (CG).
• Psychological health, including psychobehavioral disorders, quality of life, and depressive symptoms, was assessed at six weeks.

Main Results:

• The EAI group demonstrated a reduction in psychobehavioral disorders by week six.
• Participants in the EAI group reported improved quality of life and a slight decrease in depressive symptoms.
• No significant psychological benefits were observed in the adapted physical activity (APA) or control groups (CG).

Conclusions:

• Equine-assisted intervention (EAI) shows promise as a complementary, non-pharmacological approach for managing Alzheimer disease (AD).
• EAI contributes to environmental enrichment, positively impacting emotional well-being, quality of life, and comfort for individuals with AD in institutional settings.