Animals can be great topics of conversation, evoke activity, as well as provide comfort. Stroking a hairy pet can be calming, and interacting with pets can encourage play and activity. Following a dementia diagnosis is not a good time to introduce a new pet to the household. Pets can be demanding, and the extra work can neutralize any positive effects. However, if you know someone with a dog, a cat or even an aquarium, you can consider visiting him or her or asking him or her to visit the person with dementia. Try introducing the person to a confident and calm pet. Later in the disease, robotic pets or even soft toys have shown to be a good replacement, without the negative aspects of traditional pets.

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