Horse Therapy Helps Local Resident with Alzheimer's

Peggy McCormack, a former resident of Commack, now living at the Bristal Assisted Community in Westbury, recently made a very large new friend - a horse from an equine therapy program at HorseAbility, created to assist residents who suffer from dementia or Alzheimer’s disease. 

HorseAbility utilizes horses and the farm environment to provide a safe recreational space for those with dementia or Alzheimer’s disease by allowing them to socialize, reminisce and partake in light physical activity, the organization said.

According to a press release, gerontologists have found that benefits to the participants of this program included increased coordination, improved concentration and patience, helps them overcome anxiety and depression and allows those suffering from dementia and Alzheimer’s to build self-confidence and non-verbal communication.