A nurse is assisting with planning for a therapy dog to visit a client who has dementia. Which of the following is the purpose for this activity?

A. While therapy dog visits may indirectly engage the client, they do not directly improve cognitive function or slow the progression of dementia. Cognitive decline is primarily addressed through structured cognitive therapies and pharmacologic management, not pet-assisted interventions. B. The primary purpose of therapy dog visits in clients with dementia is to decrease depression and improve mood. Interaction with animals can provide comfort, companionship, and social engagement, which reduces feelings of loneliness, anxiety, and depressive symptoms commonly experienced in dementia. Research has shown that animal-assisted therapy can enhance emotional well-being and promote positive affect. C. While clients may feel relaxed during a therapy dog visit, relaxation is a secondary benefit, not the main goal. The primary therapeutic purpose focuses on improving emotional state and decreasing depressive symptoms. D. Evoking memories is more associated with reminiscence therapy, which uses photos, music, or familiar objects to stimulate memory recall. Therapy dogs may provide sensory engagement, but their main function is not memory stimulation.