Rather than restraining dementia patients within four walls of the house, let experience the great outdoors. New research suggests that greenery might reduce certain symptoms of dementia to an extent.
According to the study's researchers, green spaces might be therapeutic for patients suffering neurodegenerative diseases. They explained that greener surroundings help to promote relaxation and activity while reducing irritability experienced by many dementia sufferes, particularly those who remain couped up in homes or assisted living facilities.
"We think gardens could be benefitting for dementia sufferers by providing them with sensory stimulation and an environment that triggers memories. They not only present an opportunity to relax in a calming setting, but also to remember skills and habits that have brought enjoyment in the past," said lead researcher Rebecca Whear of the University of Exeter Medical School, who believs the association between gardens and dementia therapy is currently understudied and undervalued by policy makers.
"There's a lot we don't know about how a garden's design and setting influences its ability to affect wellbeing, yet it's clear that these spaces need to offer a range of ways of interacting - to suit different people's preferences and needs. We want to pursue these answers to ensure that care experiences can be maximised for sufferers of dementia, their carers and families," co-researcher Dr Ruth Garside, an expert in evidence synthesis, said in a statement.
The findings are published in the Journal of the American Medical Directors Association.
