Patients with Alzheimer’s disease or any other form of dementia would derive real health benefits from spending time in a garden and gardening, according to the results of a study published in the Journal of the American Medical Directors Association.
Researchers at the University of Exeter have analyzed and evaluated the benefits of outdoor spaces and gardening on patients withAlzheimer’sor other forms of dementia by performing a meta-analysis of 17 scientific studies.
The benefits of gardens and gardening
Scientists have found that people with dementia are more relaxed in a garden. This outdoor space allows them to regain their calm and increases the feeling of well-being of patients, their families and healthcare personnel. The gardens also encourage activity, foster interaction with visitors, and most importantly stimulate patient memories.
“We have seen many positive effects, but we don’t know how and why gardens influence patient well-being, interaction and memories. But, it is clear that these spaces need to offer a diverse range of modes of interaction to meet the preferences and needs of different patients, and to maximize care for people with dementia, caregivers and their families”.
“There is real interest in improving symptoms of dementia without the use of medication. We believe that gardening could benefit people with dementia, providing them with sensory stimulation and an environment that triggers memories. not only the opportunity to relax in a soothing setting, but also to remember the skills and habits they have enjoyed having in the past,” recalls Rebecca Whear.
Dementia is a global public health priority. Worldwide 7.7 million new cases are identified each year. In France, more than 850,000 people are affected by Alzheimer’s disease and nearly 225,000 new cases are diagnosed per year and the number of patients is expected to reach two million in 2020.
