Summary
Researchers at the University of Exeter Medical School have found that gardens and green spaces help care home residents with dementia to relax, resulting in reduced agitation. This review of 17 different international research studies indicates that having opportunities to relax in calming settings helps sufferers to “remember skills and habits which brought enjoyment in the past”. Gardens also offer welcome spaces for interactions with visitors, families and staff.
Reference
Gardens ‘may help trigger memories’. [Online]: BT Lifestyle, July 15th 2014.
Also of interest:
Full Text Link (Note: This article requires a suitable Athens password, a journal subscription or payment for access).
Reference
Whear, R. (2014). Gardens ‘may help trigger memories’ in dementia patients. London [Online]: Nursing Times, July 17th 2014.
This relates to:
Reference
Whear, R. Thompson Coon, J. [and] Bethe, A. [et al] (2014). What is the impact of using outdoor spaces such as gardens on the physical and mental well-being of those with dementia? A systematic review of quantitative and qualitative evidence. Journal of the American Medical Directors Association. July 15th 2014. [Epub ahead of print].