STUDY: FISH TANKS CAN CALM ALZHEIMER'S PATIENTS

STUDY: FISH TANKS CAN CALM ALZHEIMER'S PATIENTS

WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. (Wireless Flash) -- Now here's a good fish story: researchers say fish tanks can help calm Alzheimer's patients. Purdue University nursing professor Nancy Edwards studied 60 patients with the senility-inducing disease -- some of whom were given a tank of colorful fish to stare at during mealtimes. She discovered the fish tank watchers were more relaxed and less likely to yell, pace around the floor or become physically aggressive. They were also able to eat more food at dinner time because they were less likely to be distracted -- a common trait of Alzheimer's disease patients. Edwards says the presence of brightly-colored fish also perked up many of the more lethargic patients, making them more likely to participate in conversations and activities.

CONTACT: Nancy Edwards, ***1/2; West Lafayette, IN; Please call between 8 a.m. and 9 p.m. Eastern Time at (765) 463-3282