Equine-assisted services for people living with dementia: a systematic review

Equine-assisted services for people living with dementia: a systematic review

Alzheimers Res Ther. 2024 Apr 9;16(1):76. doi: 10.1186/s13195-024-01453-4.
Authors
Menka Sebalj # 1 , Ali Lakhani # 2 3 4 , Andrea Grindrod 1 5 , Rwth Stuckey 1
Affiliations

1 School of Psychology and Public Health, La Trobe University, Kingsbury Drive, Bundoora, Vic, 3086, Australia.
2 School of Psychology and Public Health, La Trobe University, Kingsbury Drive, Bundoora, Vic, 3086, Australia. a.lakhani@latrobe.edu.au.
3 The Hopkins Centre, Menzies Health Institute Queensland, Griffith University, Logan Campus, University Drive, Meadowbrook, QLD, 4131, Australia. a.lakhani@latrobe.edu.au.
4 Palliative Care Department, Eastern Health, 251 Mountain Highway, Wantirna, VIC, 3152, Australia. a.lakhani@latrobe.edu.au.
5 Palliative Care Department, Eastern Health, 251 Mountain Highway, Wantirna, VIC, 3152, Australia.

# Contributed equally.

PMID: 38589888
PMCID: PMC11003033
DOI: 10.1186/s13195-024-01453-4

Abstract

Background: Dementia has a significant impact on the social, physical, and psychological wellbeing of people living with dementia, their families and society. Animal-assisted interventions can have positive effects on the health and wellbeing of people living with dementia. Equine-assisted services are animal-assisted non-pharmacological interventions which have improved the health and wellbeing of diverse populations. The impact of participating in equine-assisted services on the health and wellbeing of people with dementia is unclear. A systematic review was conducted to synthesise evidence investigating the effects of participating in equine-assisted services on the health and wellbeing of people living with dementia.

Design: Systematic review following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines.

Methods: The databases CINAHL, EMBASE, MEDLINE, and Web of Science were searched for any research published prior to 14 June 2023. Peer-reviewed publications in the English language utilizing methods deriving quantitative and/or qualitative data were eligible. Methodological quality of included studies was assessed using the Mixed Methods Appraisal Tool. Findings from studies were synthesised using a deductive approach.

Results: Of the 223 articles screened, six met the inclusion criteria: four quantitative and two qualitative studies. The six studies represent four separate equine interventions. Studies were of moderate to strong quality. Participants were people living with dementia (n = 44, mean age range 70-83 years), dementia care partners (n = 5, mean age 58), and equine-assisted services providers (n = 5). Interventions varied in duration, activities conducted, outcomes measured, and measurement tools used. Studies found a favourable impact of participating in equine-assisted services on the neuropsychiatric symptoms and quality of life of people living with dementia. Participating in equine-assisted services improved well-being, functional abilities, social participation, and communication, while also having a positive effect on social, emotional, and behavioural outcomes, and physical health.

Conclusions: The limited but high-quality literature investigating the impact of equine-assisted services among people living with dementia suggests that equine-assisted services can have a positive impact on the health and wellbeing of people living with dementia. Additional robust studies contributing to the evidence base are warranted; such studies can support the development of programs and further elucidate the impact of participation.

Keywords: Dementia; Equine-assisted services; Health and wellbeing; Systematic review.