TIFFIN, OH (WTOL) – High School Senior Michela Paradiso has been working with Alzheimer's patients at the Elmwood Assisted Living Community in Tiffin for her senior project.
Paradiso researched the types of pets the residents had before developing Alzheimer's, and matched them with a similar looking stuffed animal dog or cat.
The stuffed animals served as a type of pet therapy.
"The tactile qualities of it- being soft and something to rub really helps because the sensory simulation part of the brain is one of the last to deteriorate in Alzheimer's- which I found out through my research. It kind of allows them to keep that quality of wanting to give love." said Paradiso.
The stuffed animals are specially made for the patients by the Memorable Pets Organization, and Michela raised the $30 cost per animal herself.
