Pet therapy and older adult depression

BACKGROUND: Systematic reviews suggest that animal-assisted therapy (AAT) and pet-robot interventions (PRI) achieve a reduction in mental health variables such as depressive symptoms. However, these systematic reviews include both randomised and non-randomised studies, which prevents an adequate assessment of the effect of confounding variables. OBJECTIVE: This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to evaluate the comparative effectiveness of AAT and PRI through randomized controlled trials (RCTs) in reducing depression in older adults...

Purpose: Differences in depression and loneliness, during the COVID-19 pandemic, for older adults with mild to moderate dementia living in residential care after interacting with a robotic companion dog or cat were explored. Experiences of family members and professional caregivers were also examined. Design: This study used a mixed research design with pre- and post-questionnaires on depression and loneliness. Method: Quantitative data exploring the impact of companion pets on depression and loneliness were collected from participants pre-intervention and at 3- and 6-week intervals...

Introduction: Compared to old people who live at home, depressive symptoms are more prevalent in those who live in long-term care facilities (LTCFs). Different kinds of non-pharmacological treatment approaches in LTCFs have been studied, including behavioral and cognitive-behavioral therapy, cognitive bibliotherapy, problem-solving therapy, brief psychodynamic therapy and life review/reminiscence. The aim of the current review was to systematically review non-pharmacological treatments used to treat depressed older adults with no or mild cognitive impairment (as described by a Mini Mental State Examination score > 20) living in LTCFs...

OBJECTIVES: . The aim of this systematic literature review (SLR) was to investigate the effect of companion animals (whether simply as pets or used in more formal intervention approaches) on the physical and mental health of older adults (aged 60+). METHODS: . The reviewers identified key search terms and conducted a systematic search of the PsycINFO and PubMed databases. The 70 articles reviewed were evaluated through tabular and thematic analysis. RESULTS: ...

BACKGROUND: Gray matter volume decrease, white matter vascular pathology and amyloid accumulation are age-related brain changes that have been related to the pathogenesis of late life depression (LLD). Furthermore, lower hippocampal volume and more white matter hyperintensities (WMH) may contribute to poor response to electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) in severely depressed older adults. We hypothesized that the accumulation of age-related brain changes negatively affects outcome following ECT in LLD...

BACKGROUND: People living with human immunodeficiency virus (PLHIV) are approximately twice as likely to be depressed compared with HIV-negative individuals. Depression is consistently associated with low antiretroviral therapy (ART) adherence, an important step within the HIV care continuum related to HIV disease progression and overall health. One factor that may have positive psychosocial benefits and promote ART adherence is dog ownership. Research indicates that dog ownership is associated with lower depression, and initial evidence suggests its positive impact on psychosocial outcomes for PLHIV...

BACKGROUND: Socially assistive robotics is a growing area for geriatric research. OBJECTIVE: This single-blind, randomized controlled trial (RCT) aims to investigate the use of PARO, a therapeutic, socially assistive pet robot, in improving mood, and stimulating social interaction and communication for people with dementia in the community. METHODS: For the study, 40 community-dwelling older Chinese adults (≥60 years) with mild to moderate dementia will be recruited and randomly assigned to the PARO therapy group or the psychosocial activities control group...

BACKGROUND: In older adults with cognitive impairment (CI), decreased functional status and increased behavioral symptoms require relocation from assisted living (AL) to nursing homes. Studies support positive effects of pets on health/function. PURPOSE: Evaluate the effectiveness of the Pet AL (PAL) intervention to support physical, behavioral, and emotional function in AL residents with CI. METHODS: Cognitively impaired AL residents randomized to 60-90 minute sessions [PAL (n = 22) or reminiscing (n = 18)] twice/week for 12 weeks...

PURPOSE: Sociodemographic and socioeconomic characteristics of participants in antidepressant and psychotherapy efficacy trials (AETs and PETs) for major depressive disorder (MDD) may limit the generalizability of the results. We compared trial participants with daily practice patients. We subsequently assessed the influence of socio-demographic and socioeconomic status on treatment outcome in daily practice. METHODS: Data on daily practice patients were derived through routine outcome monitoring (ROM)...