Research Article
Issue Date: September/October 2017
Published Online: July 24, 2017
Updated: April 30, 2020
Animal-Assisted Therapies and Dementia: A Systematic Mapping Review Using the Lived Environment Life Quality (LELQ) Model
Wendy Wood; Beth Fields; Michelle Rose; Merinda McLure
Author Affiliations
  • Wendy Wood, PhD, OTR/L, FAOTA, is Professor, Department of Occupational Therapy, College of Health and Human Sciences, and Director of Research, Temple Grandin Research Center, College of Agricultural Sciences, Colorado State University, Fort Collins; wendy.wood@colostate.edu
  • Beth Fields, MS, OTR/L, is PhD Candidate and Research Assistant, Department of Occupational Therapy, College of Health and Human Sciences, Colorado State University, Fort Collins
  • Michelle Rose, MS, OTR/L, is Occupational Therapy Fellow, JFK Partners, University of Colorado, Denver
  • Merinda McLure, MLIS, AHIP, is Health & Human Sciences Librarian and Associate Professor, University Libraries, University of Colorado, Boulder. At the time of the study, she was Associate Professor, Open Educational Resources Librarian, and Health and Human Sciences Librarian, Morgan Library, Colorado State University, Fort Collins
Article Information
Alzheimer's Disease and Dementia / Neurologic Conditions / Special Issue: Research Articles
Research Article   |   July 24, 2017
Animal-Assisted Therapies and Dementia: A Systematic Mapping Review Using the Lived Environment Life Quality (LELQ) Model
American Journal of Occupational Therapy, July 2017, Vol. 71, 7105190030. https://doi.org/10.5014/ajot.2017.027219
American Journal of Occupational Therapy, July 2017, Vol. 71, 7105190030. https://doi.org/10.5014/ajot.2017.027219
Abstract

OBJECTIVE. The authors mapped the literature on animal-assisted therapies (AATs) and institutionalized adults with dementia onto the Lived Environment Life Quality (LELQ) Model as a guide for future services and research.

METHOD. Refereed literature addressing AATs and institutionalized people with dementia was comprehensively gathered, described, categorized, and synthesized in this systematic mapping review.

RESULTS. From 1,342 screened records, the authors included 10 research articles that incorporated dogs in therapy for institutionalized adults with dementia. These canine-assisted therapies offered occupational opportunities and environmental supports conducive to experiences of relative well-being, occupational engagement, and optimal functioning.

CONCLUSION. The findings offer proof of the concept that canine-assisted therapies are feasible and can elicit positive quality-of-life experiences in institutionalized people with dementia. Researchers and practitioners need to elucidate the theoretical foundations of AATs. The LELQ Model may serve as a guide for client-centered, occupation-focused, and ecologically valid approaches to animal-assisted occupational therapy.