Aquariums found to calm Alzheimer's patients. Prairie Senior Living in Colby begins fund-raising to purchase fish tank

Focus. Published by the Kansas Association of Homes & Services for the Aging.  March 2000
Dan Decker

Imagine tropical fish gracefully maneuvering through an aquarium of sparkling blue water. The image conjures thoughts of relaxation and tranquility. This image was put to the test by researchers at Purdue University and may soon he realized at a facility in northwest Kansas.

The study found that persons with Alzheimer's disease who were exposed to aquariums appeared to he more alert and relaxed and had increased appetites. One facility, in particular, was so impressed by the study that they began the process of acquiring a fish tank themselves.

"The results indicated that they may help health care costs by reducing the need for nutritional supplements and medications to help calm disruptive patients," said Angela McArthur, administrator of Prairie Senior Living Complex in Colby, which is in the midst of a fundraising campaign to purchase the specialized aquarium for its Special Care Alzheimer's Unit.

Fundraising efforts have varied, including employee donations for "Dress Down Fridays," and a donated quilt that they are raffling off in February. The efforts have resulted in the collection of over $2000, enough to purchase one aquarium.

The reason for the expense of the aquarium is that it was designed exclusively for nursing facilities and is entirely self-functioning. The fish are automatically fed, the tank is automatically cleaned, and has unbreakable glass. This allows staff to give more individual care. The tanks are also designed with backgrounds that allow for easy viewing for patients with cataracts or other vision impairments.

With the overwhelming response to the project, the focus has turned to purchasing two tanks, increasing the numbers of patients that can enjoy them.

If the feelings of relaxation and tranquility are as strong as the study shows, they can only be matched by the sheer excitement of the patients and the staff.