‘We see an increase in joy’: New study looks at effectiveness of horses on dementia patients
VENN
KING AND QUEEN COUNTY, Va. (WRIC) -- A new study out of a farm in King and Queen County is bringing together an unlikely duo -- horses and dementia patients.
The Fox Moon Farm Project and Lakewood Retirement Community in Richmond have partnered together on the Equine Elders program. The study is looking into how dementia or Alzheimer’s patients interacting with horses can increase self-awareness and confidence while decreasing anxiety and stress.
“The horses -- they're really neat," Lakewood resident David said.
David, a Lakewood Retirement Community resident, petting the horse Sun Beam.
The participants pet and groom the horses, hold baby goats, garden and help with other barn chores. Each activity is designed to stimulate the brain and calm the nervous system.
“They connect on a spiritual level, on an emotional level, on a physical level," said Fox Moon Farm equine specialist Kiele Marston. “You can just see the smiles come out. You can see [them] coming off of the bus with anxiety [and] transform into just happiness. And it is amazing to experience.”
The farm's year-long study into the effectiveness of working with horses on Alzheimer’s and dementia patients started in March.
The farm’s co-director, Cindy Freishtat, watched her father go through dementia -- an experience she said inspired the study.
“We see a reduction in anxiety," she said. "We see an increase in self-confidence. We see an increase in joy and happiness.”
She said some residents have even unlocked memories while at the farm.
A Lakewood Retirement Community resident and equine specialist Kiele Marston. (Photo: Allison Williams, 8News)
According to Alzheimer’s Disease International, there are more than 10 million new cases of dementia each year. As of 2020, there were more than 55 million people living with dementia, a number expected to double every 20 years.
For people like David, this kind of study could help alter the type of care he needs.
“I’m happy to be a part of it," he said. "And you know, I’m a small part of it but I get to be involved and that’s good.”
After each session, the farm tracks how engaged the residents were and their level of happiness. Staff at Lakewood, where the Equine Elders live, also measure day-to-day to see if over time symptoms or medication needs reduce.
“The fewer medications one takes, obviously, the better quality of life," said Lakewood's executive director Heather Crumbaugh. “We want them in as natural of a state as they can be.”
Crumbaugh said they are starting to see a decrease in needed medication, and that the results so far have been "amazing."
“Our residents are always excited to come and get on the bus and get out here," she said. “We don’t want to just keep them in a safe environment and keep them busy with fun activities, we want to provide purposeful living.”
A Lakewood Retirement Community resident petting a horse. (Photo: Allison Williams, 8News)
Crumbaugh first heard about the farm's work with adults with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (IDD) and reached out to Freishtat.
“I thought, ‘This could translate into folks with dementia as well,'" Crumbaugh said.
The Equine Elders now go to the farm every Friday. It's funded completely by grants and donations.
“The owner of the horse said that I did a good job, so I’m happy with that," David said.
