Horse power for the brain: equine therapy shows promise in dementia pilot
NCT ID NCT06662578
First seen Jun 24, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026 · Updated 1 time
Summary
This small pilot study tested whether adding a horse to memory workshops could improve thinking, mood, and quality of life for people with mild to moderate dementia. Thirty-six older adults were split into three groups: traditional memory workshops, equine-assisted memory workshops, or a no-intervention control group. After eight weekly sessions, researchers compared changes in cognitive function, depression, and quality of life.
What this could mean
Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.
Active substance
Equine-assisted therapy (horse interaction) combined with memory workshops
What this could lead to
If it works, this could point toward a more engaging and effective way to support cognitive function and mood in people with dementia.
What could go wrong
This is a very small pilot study (36 participants) with no blinding, so results may not be reliable or generalizable. The intervention is not a treatment for dementia itself.
Disclaimer
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Summaries may miss details or leave out important information. Before applying or accepting participation, make sure you have read and understood the full study. Curemydisease.com takes no responsibility whatsoever for anything missed, misunderstood, or acted upon as a result of our summary — we know it does not capture everything.
This is a summary of the original study . Summaries may miss details or leave out important information. Before applying or accepting participation, make sure you have read and understood the full study. Curemydisease.com takes no responsibility whatsoever for anything missed, misunderstood, or acted upon as a result of our summary — we know it does not capture everything.
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Conditions
The condition(s) this trial relates to.
As listed by the trial registrant
The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.
Contacts and locations
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Locations
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CAJOU
Le Boulou, 66160, France