There are many symptoms a person lives with once they are diagnosed with Alzheimer’s or dementia. Some of the hallmark symptoms of the disease are agitation, anxiousness, and restlessness. Researchers continue to search for solutions on how to calm each of these symptoms. A new study recently released showed that spending time in a garden might ease agitation that commonly strikes people who are living with the disease.
Looking at 17 past studies, British researchers were able to find simple gardening activities—such as watering plants, sitting in a garden or simply just strolling—can help soothe a person’s anxiety. Along with gardening, researchers have found activities such as panting, playing games or taking a car ride can also accomplish the goal of lessening anxiety symptoms. With 5 million people living with Alzheimer’s disease (and that number scheduled to rise dramatically in upcoming years), researchers continue to focus on not only finding a cure, but how to ease the symptoms of the debilitating disease.
Researchers do caution that more studies need to be completed. Unlike medication whose effect on the body can easily be determined, the effects of gardening to ease anxiety are much harder to determine. “This work shows that their use could be beneficial,” said Rebecca Whear, a research fellow at the University of Exeter Medical School, ”but much more research is needed.”
Researchers point out that safety is of utmost concern. If you are moving a loved one into a memory care community, make certain if they have a garden area that it is a safe space and “wander proof”. At Autumn Leaves, the garden is located in an enclosed courtyard, giving freedom of movement to residents while keeping them safe and secure. They also caution the garden should have non-poisonous plants as people living with Alzheimer’s, and other forms of dementia, like putting things in their mouths. With safety measures in place, gardens can be an incredibly soothing area for people to reflect and enjoy the day.
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