Gardening: A Therapeutic Pleasure for Alzheimer Patients

One of the doctors at a long-term care facility in St. Louis, Mo. admitted he had no scientific proof, but based on his own personal experience, reported that gardening helps maintain cognitive ability over time. He doesn’t go so far as to say it improved cognitive ability, but reports that gardening certainly improves quality of life for those with Alzheimer’s.

For many seniors, gardening has been a lifelong passion, but unfortunately after they are institutionalized they can’t participate in what they used to do. It’s a huge and unnecessary loss for them. Understanding this, many facilities in recent years have introduced gardening to those with dementia-related conditions.

Some patients in early-stage Alzheimer's even take care of their own container plants. For those who can follow the progression from seed to plant, they plant their seeds, and with help from care givers water and tend their plants. Middle-stage patients who cannot follow the progression receive sensory involvement with once-a-week stimulation of hands in potting soil or the passing around of scented flowers and other garden fragrances. Caregivers find that the scents bring back memories, and make patients less agitated.  The time spent in the garden is relaxing and familiar.

It has been found that when your memory fades you often remember the parts of your life that gave you the most happiness. Family members have reported that their loved ones gained happiness and satisfaction from gardening. One daughter reported that her mother may not remember who she’s talking to, but she can recognize scores of plants, and is even able to reel off their Latin names. While gardening she is happy, has peace of mind and feels safe and secure. 

Gardening exercises the mind and the body, which keeps the motivation levels high. It is also an ideal pastime for a caregiver to do alongside an Alzheimer patient. It is something they can do together at their own pace, and in any way that they like. In the early stages, a garden can be developed so that it caters to whatever brings the most satisfaction and enjoyment to the patient.

There have been many examples of gardens designed for people with memory loss. Key aspects involve creating the feeling of a safe sanctuary, while maintaining a stimulating and exciting environment. When creating a garden it is not recommended to lay out pathways with dead ends. The paths should loop and be smooth and wide, made out of materials that are non-reflective. Reflection can appear to be water, or create shadows that could be mistaken for holes. Above all, the garden area should contain non toxic plants and be secure to eliminate the possibility of wandering off.  A secure area allows the patient more independence while gardening or enjoying the garden. A garden should be a place to congregate and socialize, so it’s important to place focal points, such as a gazebo, bird house, bird feeders, or a sturdy park bench.

Being able to exercise and relax improves attitudes and helps someone suffering from Alzheimer feel less anxious. With a garden experience, they feel involved with their natural surroundings instead of being alienated by illness. They are surrounded by beautiful fragrances and fresh air, all in a safe environment.

The Alzheimer’s Society points out that exercising in the garden helps develop the appetite, boosts energy levels and promotes a better night’s sleep. They stress the importance of maintaining, as far as possible, existing skills that give pleasure and confidence.

Family members and caregivers have found that initially they must provide the motivation to build or adapt a garden for their loved ones.  They report that raised beds done at a more accessible height make gardening more enjoyable, and adding plants such as lavender for relaxation and lemon balm for memory aid are helpful. Also they have found that growing vegetables that are enjoyed, or sweet peas for picking or even a wild patch of flowers will pull a patient out to the garden.

Although dementia damages the memory and reasoning, the emotions remain intact. When sufferers become emotionally charged, encouraging them to express their emotions is helpful. For some reason they appear to become less highly charged and calmer outside in the fresh air.