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How does Horticulture benefit Alzheimers sufferers
By Jane Keightley
Gardens and gardening can benefit both able bodied people and suffers of Alzheimer’s disease in numerous ways. Research published by BUPA states that ‘People with active leisure pursuits, such as travelling and gardening, are less likely to develop Alzheimer’s disease than people with passive interests, such as watching TV. People who do more mental activity tend to be protected.’ It seems that educated individuals tend to keep their brains exercised throughout their lives, BUPA state that in a recent study it was found that people who kept mentally active were 47% less likely to develop Alzheimer’s, which suggests that increased cognitive activity may reduce the risk of the disease or prolong the onset of further symptoms for patients in the early stages of Alzheimer’s. Gardening falls in to the category of a mentally stimulating pastime as it can help people to stretch their thinking as it requires foresight, planning and a degree of flexibility which gives the brain a challenging workout. Gardens also stimulate the brain in other ways, it gives each of the senses a workout, this sensual stimulation is often unreached by any other form of cognitive activity.
For patients in the early stages of Alzheimer’s, the physical exercise of gardening will help with their general health, appetite and sleep pattern. It also offers a sense of self esteem and engages them in an activity which uses previously learnt and practised skills, an important factor for someone suffering from short term memory loss. The growth and life cycle of plants can offer a time span to patients and keep them in touch with reality rather than the past and offer them a sense of purpose and hope. Gardens and gardening can help to stimulate conversation and increase socialization amongst patients which will enable them to reminisce about happier times in their lives. It has been found that social function is correlated with physical and mental functioning, all of with can be directly associated with sensory deprivation, depression and diminished ability to perform tasks( Flager 1994). For patients of all stages of the disease, gardens offer sensory stimulation, the fresh air, sunshine stimulates the brains lymphatic system which reduces stress and anxiety. Objects and bright colours offer visual stimulation, whilst the feel of soil and stroking of leaves stimulates the sense of touch. Tasting the fresh produce from the vegetable garden or eating a meal outside, the smell of cut grass or fragrant flowers and the noise of the autumn leaves or the trickling of water, helps to reach patients on an auditory level. Studies have shown that the number of incidents is greater in care homes which do not have gardens compared to those which do have gardens. Increasing levels of violent outbursts from patients could be the cause of boredom or frustration, symptoms which exercise and fresh air can relieve. An increase in self stimulatory behaviour such a nose picking, scratching and rocking usually indicate inadequate environmental stimulation, all of which may be overcome by access to a garden. |
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This intel was contributed by Jimbob
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May, 2012
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