Assistance dogs are being trained to compensate for memory loss in the elderly.
Source: Assistance Dogs for Alzheimer’s and Dementia Patients | Psychology Today
Category Archives: Alzheimer’s Disease
Beto and Osito
Another wonderful update from our trainer Michelle, in New Mexico, who is working with Beto, a Wounded Warrior who is in the early stages of Alzheimer’s and has diabetes, and his SDIT, Osito!
Michelle writes:
“I met with Beto and SDiT Osito. It was a good visit. However, Beto’s short term memory is quickly fading. He was not able to remember the things we talked about regarding commands. However, he was able to remember to check his blood sugar when Osito began kissing him and alerted to high sugar levels in excess of 250; scary!!! AWESOME JOB OSITO!!!!!!
We also worked on “leave it”, and by the end of the small session OSITO would not take it unless told he could have the treat!!!!!
Beto’s wife, Maribel, was out of town taking care of family, and was unable to help with the training these last 2 weeks. She reassured me these next two weeks she will help more.
We did get SDIT Osito to start wearing his vest, which came in the mail. Maribel will be doing some alterations so that it doesn’t hurt Osito when he wears his vest. The xs is still too large, and patches are being sewn on.
I still have high hopes for this team, they just need reminders. We will work with things like sticky notes, writing pads, etc. Beto loves his Osito SO very much!”
So Many Unsung Heroes Among Us
I am in awe right now. There are SO many unsung heroes among us. One of them is a client, Natalie. I spoke with her at length this morning. She is helping with the training of a Service Dog for her grandmother, who has Alzheimer’s. Natalie is a truly amazing example of one of those people who has chosen as a profession something extremely challenging and SO needed. Natalie grew up in Singapore. She and her family moved to San Antonio some years ago, and Natalie got her law degree from the highly esteemed Georgetown University in Washington, D.C. She became a lawyer to fight for humanitarian rights – including human trafficking, which, of course, is close to our hearts at SDE because we have had so many clients who have been victims of this right here in Texas. Natalie told me that it has been SO difficult to find a job as an attorney here in Texas to help fight human trafficking and other humanitarian issues. I am going to reach out to as many associations as I can to put her in touch with them – she is even willing to do volunteer work to help this extremely important cause. Clients – any of you who have been victims of human trafficking – if you know of programs that Natalie could become affiliated with, please send me an email at [email protected]. Natalie is discouraged at her inability to find resources that could use her legal expertise, and might have to consider moving back to Singapore where she would continue to fight for these injustices. She did say that the laws in the United States to protect individuals and their families who have experienced human trafficking are better than any in any other country she has known – for example, she said that in most Asian countries, people with disabilities are looked down upon and resources for them are extremely limited – including Singapore. She said that she has been amazed that in the U.S., victims can receive Service Dogs to help those who have been traumatized; in these other countries, the only Service Dogs recognized are for the blind.
I applaud Natalie and others like her who are doing such important work, have such passion for humanitarian causes, and refuse to give up! Thank you, Natalie.
A Kind And Considerate Grandson!
A wonderful update from rescuer and trainer Cherry Jenkins!
“Mika is a gorgeous, 2 year-old Native American Indian Dog. She’s not only stunning to look at, but incredibly smart too! Mika’s handler is Nicholas, pictured here with beautiful Mika.
Nicholas is helping to train Mika for his grandmother, who is in the early stages of Alzheimer’s Disease. He wishes Mika to be trained to help his grandmother by: Providing a calming effect, as she often gets upset, provide constant companionship to her, and to learn to alert his grandmother’s caregiver should she fall. Of course, Nicholas’ mother, Phoebe, will be involved in the process.
What a kind and considerate grandson!
Every time I give him homework, when I see him again not only have they accomplished it, but with flying colors!
One of Mika’s three tasks is to bark if Nicholas’ grandmother needs help in public.
Nicholas and Mika have already mastered most of the basic commands! We are next going to start on training how to handle Mika in a store. I am more than confident they will be complete naturals!”
WHAT A TRULY AMAZING GIFT THIS GRANDSON IS GIVING HIS GRANDMOTHER. TRULY A BEAUTIFUL THING TO SEE PEOPLE TAKING SUCH GOOD CARE OF OUR OLDER GENERATIONS. EVERY LIFE, NO MATTER WHAT THE AGE, DESERVES THAT KIND OF RESPECT. CHERRY – YOU WILL BE A WONDERFUL TRAINER FOR THIS FAMILY!