As Brain Awareness Week (March 10-16) kicks off, HMRI’s Brain Neuromodulation Research Program is at the forefront of exploring new and innovative therapies for brain and nerve conditions. One such breakthrough involves the calming presence of therapy dogs. Meet Maple, a four-year-old Golden Retriever who is part of an exciting pilot study aimed at reducing anxiety during MRI scans.
Working alongside researcher Caroline Faucher, Maple has become an integral part of the team, helping participants in the Australian Dementia Network study feel more at ease as they undergo MRI scans. This study, part of HMRI’s efforts to explore the potential of dog-assisted interventions, is a step forward in developing evidence-based therapies for managing stress and anxiety in clinical settings.
Maple’s Role in Reducing MRI Anxiety
Maple isn’t just a therapy dog—he’s a trained professional, having graduated from Therapy Dogs Australia, and now helps patients manage stress during MRI scans, a procedure many find overwhelming. The presence of Maple during the scan aims to ease the autonomic stress response, which is crucial for producing high-quality imaging.
“Undergoing an MRI can be incredibly stressful for many people,” explains Caroline Faucher. “This anxiety can negatively impact the quality of the scan or prevent someone from completing the procedure. We’re exploring whether Maple’s presence can help reduce that stress.”
The pilot study, supported by HMRI’s Brain Neuromodulation Research Program, builds upon prior research showing that dog-assisted therapy can lower stress biomarkers, such as cortisol levels, heart rate, and blood pressure. This groundbreaking work is extending the benefits of dog-assisted interventions to older populations and focusing on more objective measures of stress.
Expanding the Scope of Dog-Assisted Therapy
While research on dog-assisted interventions has grown in popularity, there remains a need for standardized, high-quality studies. HMRI’s work aims to address this gap by developing robust, evidence-based protocols for dog-assisted therapy in clinical settings.
“The evidence so far is promising, but we need more rigorous studies to fully understand how dog-assisted therapy works and how it can be applied across various medical environments,” says Faucher. “Our ultimate goal is to create standardized protocols that can be used widely in hospitals, clinics, and other healthcare settings.”
A Groundbreaking Partnership in Healthcare
The partnership between Maple and his handler Caroline, along with the research team, is part of a larger initiative at HMRI to integrate dog-assisted therapy into medical care. This initiative is supported by prominent figures such as Professor Saad Ramadan and Professor Michael Breakspear, who were among the first to recognize the calming potential of therapy dogs in medical settings.
As this research progresses, the team is hoping to secure funding for larger-scale studies and advocate for the widespread adoption of dog-assisted interventions in healthcare. Their goal is to make therapy dogs like Maple an integral part of patient care, helping reduce anxiety, improve patient outcomes, and provide comfort in what can often be stressful medical environments.
Brain Awareness Week: Raising Awareness for Brain Health
Brain Awareness Week, founded by the Dana Foundation in 1996, is a global campaign dedicated to advancing brain research and promoting brain health. With over 1,000 known brain and nervous system disorders—including conditions like dementia, chronic pain, and mental health issues—innovative treatments like dog-assisted therapy are more important than ever.
“This is a great opportunity to highlight the work we’re doing here at HMRI,” says Caroline. “Our research is focused on finding new ways to improve the quality of life for people living with brain and nerve conditions, and dog-assisted therapy is one promising path we’re exploring.”
The Future of Brain Health at HMRI
HMRI’s Brain Neuromodulation Research Program, led by Professor Brett Graham, is dedicated to advancing the understanding of brain and nervous system conditions while developing next-generation therapies. By combining expertise across neuroscience, engineering, and medicine, HMRI researchers are transforming brain health and paving the way for more effective, personalized treatments that improve the lives of Australians living with neurological conditions.