From It Takes A Herd Foundation Inc to the World Stage: Dartmouth Research on ITAH to be Presented at Alzheimer’s Association International Conference 2026 in London, UK

Dementia often narrows a family's world. At It Takes a Herd, we work every day to help expand it again.

Through connection, camaraderie, and community, care partners and people living with dementia discover they are not alone.

What researchers are starting to measure is what participants have been experiencing all along. After participating in ITAH, care partners describe feeling less alone. They talk about reconnecting with their loved one in new ways. They share how education, coaching, and support from peers help them navigate the challenges of dementia with greater confidence. Most importantly, they discover a community that understands their journey.

Now, those experiences are beginning to be reflected in research.

We are honored that researchers from Dartmouth College's Patient Innovation Lab have been invited to present their preliminary findings on the It Takes a Herd program at the Alzheimer's Association International Conference (AAIC), one of the world's leading forums focused on dementia research and care. Their poster presentation highlights the feasibility, acceptability, and preliminary effectiveness of our dementia-friendly equine-assisted program for care partners of people living with dementia.

We are deeply grateful to the Dartmouth research team, including Joseph Martinez, MPH, Vedant Tapiavala, BA, and Dr. Karen Fortuna, for their dedication, curiosity, and commitment to understanding how innovative community-based programs can support families affected by dementia. We are also proud of our own Karen Coppola, CDP, EAL, and Dr. Jeanine McCleod for their collaboration and advocacy throughout this process.

The findings are encouraging.

Researchers found high participant retention and positive trends related to relationship strain, anxiety, and psychological well-being among care partners. The study concluded that the program is both feasible and well accepted, while also identifying promising areas for further investigation. The research team noted that larger studies are warranted to continue exploring these early findings.

For us, the most meaningful part of this work is not found in a chart or data table. It is found in the conversations that happen between care partners who realize they are not alone. It is found in the moments when a person living with dementia and their care partner share a laugh, solve a challenge together, or experience a renewed sense of partnership. It is found in the confidence care partners gain through real-time coaching, education, and support from others who truly understand the dementia journey.

Research helps us better understand why these moments matter.

As the study continues, we remain committed to creating opportunities for Connection, Camaraderie, and Community for people living with dementia and their care partners. We are excited to see this important work gain broader recognition and look forward to contributing to a growing body of research exploring innovative, relationship-centered approaches to dementia care.

To every participant, volunteer, supporter, and researcher who has helped make this possible ~ Thank You for being part of It Takes A Herd.