Father-in-law treats stuffed animal as if it's real. Should we be concerned?

That stuffed animal is so important, as is the robotic dog I bought for my husband with Alzheimer's. The robotic dog, is big, quite heavy, artificial fur, reacts to sound, movement and light. I can not begin to tell you how wonderful this dog is, as I call it......a senior citizens apartment dog. No need to feed him or clean up after him. It is so calming as he pets it, hugs it, even talks to it. It is his buddy and that is ok. We need to get into the world of the patient. With diseases like this or others, what ever works, for calmness and joy. Some might not understand, but that is ok too. No need to explain. I know my husband's buddy is priceless.

Thank you for the reassurance. He has vascular dementia and I was concerned that things might be changing.

If it calms him, then I wouldn't be concerned, he could be doing a lot worse things.

This is fulling a need he has.
recent test study was done in a NH...they provided baby dolls to patients. They found that they were cuddled and handled just like real babies, and those patients with the dolls adjusted better, were happier and more medically stable.

there are lots of “up side” benefits, and no bad side effects.

encourage it.

No, don't be concerned. It is providing him comfort. This is quite common actually. It is great that he has a relationship with the dog. In fact, I would be more concerned about him losing it. You might consider buying another couple just like it, just in case.