Alzheimer’s Disease

Studies done in 2001 by the Pet Care Trust and Glenn Novotny, President, Central Garden and Pet have shown that having aquariums around people suffering from Alzheimer’s significantly reduced distress and help aid in health problems Alzheimer’s patients experience.  Patients with Alzheimer’s that participated in this study before aquariums were installed were frustrated and temperamental.  Another problem was getting these patients to take in the proper amount of nourishment each day.  After setting up an aquarium in the dinning hall the patients daily nutritional intake and weight gain was measured, and researchers discovered that patients weight increased an average of 3.36 pounds and noted a 33.8% intake in food consumption.  As for the temperament of these patients, it was also noted that the there was a substantial decline in aggression and overall volatile behavior.  Ultimately, the aquariums helped patient’s intake vital nourishment and subsequently decrease aggressive behavior.

Autism & ADHD

 Children diagnosed with autism or ADHD can also benefit from owning a fish tank.  In addition to the calming effects the fish provide, the child is also given the ability to be responsible for caring for the fish. The biOrb aquarium made by Reef-One and Casco is a child-friendly aquarium which has been specifically designed to help autistic children.  Built with the ability to house either coldwater or tropical fish, it allows flexibility for your personal preference.