General+Information

Parkinson’s disease (PD) is a degenerative disorder of the central nervous system that often impairs the patient’s motor skills and speech. It is characterized by muscle rigidity, tremor, and a slowing of physical movement. To slow this process, the patient must remain active. However, it is often dangerous for the patient to perform heavy tasks. They need alternative methods to stay active, without risking further harm to them. Animal-assisted therapy is designed to improve the physical, social, emotional, and cognitive functioning of the patient, as well as provide educational and motivational effectiveness for participants. Without liveliness or encouragement, such as the energy from the pets, it is incredibly difficult for the patients to stay motivated to continue, since they know there is no turning around.

PD is part of a group of conditions called motor system disorders. As these symptoms worsen, patients have difficulty walking, talking, and completing simple tasks. PD typically affects people over the age of 50. It is not uncommon for patients to become depressed or undergo emotional changes. The disease is diagnosed based on a neurological examination, rather than a blood test or something else that is clear-cut. Because of this, the disease can be difficult to diagnose accurately. As stated, there is no cure for PD, so patients take many medications simply to slow the progression of the symptoms.

Animal-assisted therapy (AAT) is the addition of an animal in a treatment plan. Pets are a common calmer in many homes across the world. We take care of them and they take care of us. Medical practitioners, veterinarians, health care professionals and others in many different fields are using this unique human-animal bond for its potential therapeutic value. Many people have wonderful memories of pets, after living a whole life with an affectionate companion following you at your side. Many abilities to form healthy relationships could have stemmed from our experiences with pets. Pets may also teach children (or re-teach senior citizens) the responsibilities of daily life as well as compassion.

Used as a form of therapy, animals have been proven to provide positive outcomes to their patients. It is most beneficial when it is “delivered and/or directed by a health or human service provider working within the scope of his/her profession” (Janssen). Animal-assisted therapy improved people physically, socially, emotionally, and cognitively. Further explanation will be provided later. This form of therapy can be used on people of all ages. The specialist designs specific goals to meet individual client needs. This may be a need for a new outlet for fitness, to cure loneliness, to reverse depression, to instill a sense of safety, or to teach responsibility. There are an infinite number of possibilities.