Quote:
Originally Posted by Villager Joyce
Other than happiness, how else can one explain the positive response to the animals brought into hospitals. Patients who haven't communicated light up when a dog is brought into his/her room. People in the hospital suffering from depression react to the therapy dogs. The healing power of mans best friend.
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The positive response is mainly due to the contrast it brings to an otherwise dull environment that was usually not of their choosing. People in nursing homes who haven't communicated will suddenly light up when given an iPod with music. Any kind of attention may be helpful.
It helps with the quality of life for a brief period of time, but do dementia patients live significantly longer because of these encounters? Maybe if they have good food, exercise, mental stimulation and some cheerful encounters.