The Effect of Horticultural Activities on Physical and Cognitive Status, Mental Well-Being, Social Participation and Quality of Life in Individuals Diagnosed with Dementia

The Effect of Horticultural Activities on Physical and Cognitive Status, Mental Well-Being, Social Participation and Quality of Life in Individuals Diagnosed with Dementia

This study aims to examine the effects of horticultural activities on the physical and cognitive status, mental well-being, social participation, and quality of life of individuals diagnosed with dementia living in nursing homes. Forty individuals participated in the study. The intervention group received a 10-week horticultural activity program, conducted two days a week (one activity day and one visit day), while the control group underwent evaluations without participating in the horticultural activities. Various standardized assessment tools were used to evaluate mental status, functional mobility, cognitive performance, mental well-being, social participation, and quality of life.

The objective of this study is to investigate the impact of a structured horticultural activity program on individuals diagnosed with dementia who reside in nursing homes. The study was conducted with a total of 40 participants. The intervention group participated in a 10-week horticultural activity program, held twice weekly, which included one activity session and one visit session per week. The control group did not participate in the activity program but underwent the same evaluation procedures.

The assessment tools used in this study included:

Mini Mental State Examination to evaluate mental status, Timed Up and Go Test to assess functional mobility, balance, and performance, Rapid Mild Cognitive Impairment Test for cognitive assessment, Warwick-Edinburgh Mental Well-Being Scale to measure mental well-being, Social and Emotional Loneliness Scale for Adults to assess social and emotional loneliness, World Health Organization Quality of Life Scale Elderly Module to evaluate quality of life.

The study is designed to explore whether horticultural activities can be beneficial as part of occupational therapy interventions for individuals with dementia living in nursing homes.

Inclusion Criteria:

Residents of a nursing home Age 65 years or older Diagnosed with dementia Mini Mental State Examination (MMSE) score of 18 or higher

Exclusion Criteria:

Orthopedic dependency requiring the use of a wheelchair Diagnosed with any neurological or psychological disorder other than dementia