Landmark trial could see assistance dogs helping dementia patients

Assistance dogs could soon be helping dementia patients, with a landmark trial beginning next month.

Run by Assistance Dogs Australia, the trial will aim for the dogs to provide friendship and emotional support to the patients suffering from dementia, a disease which frequently leaves people feeling disempowered and socially isolated.

Assistance Dogs Australia spokeswoman Laura Catherall said the dogs help enhance patients’ social lives.

"A dog will get you out into the community. Walking a dog is a great social icebreaker, a great way to meet new people," she told the Sydney Morning Herald.

The program is a change from the current canine companion system where dogs are provided to complete physical day-to-day tasks for patients unable to do so.