We have good news for people who want to keep their minds sharp as they age! One study found that daily gardening may reduce the risk of dementia by up to 36%! But what about people who are already living with Alzheimer's disease or another form of dementia? It turns out that therapeutic gardening, also known as therapeutic horticulture or horticulture therapy, can improve well-being in people with dementia. Keep reading to learn the benefits.
Calmer Lives
Including therapeutic gardening in memory care settings has been shown to have a positive effect on agitation and aggressiveness. Notably, these benefits were not realized by simply visiting a garden or viewing a nature scene.
Greater Engagement
Therapeutic gardening also keeps people with dementia engaged. This is beneficial for their cognitive health. Even if a person's memory is impaired, people with dementia still enjoy activities they loved before their cognitive decline. Gardening is stimulating, easy to follow, and can be short enough to keep focus.
Can Gardening Reduce Falls in Seniors?
In one study, residents of a residential care facility who made use of a garden experienced 38.7% fewer falls after the garden was added (compared to before). 2 Staying physically active is beneficial at every age.
Improved Quality of Life
One group of nursing home residents experienced an improvement in their quality of life three months after a therapeutic garden was built compared to three months before. Everyone enjoys connecting to nature!
How Does Gardening Improve Sleep for People with Dementia?
It turns out that getting cozy with plants can improve sleep! In one study, significant improvements in sleep after gardening were observed. People woke up less, slept longer and had higher-quality sleep.
Rise Gardens are a great way to bring indoor gardening to memory care settings. They can be used as part of the therapy program year-round. They'll encourage residents to connect with staff and volunteers during activities, and they'll even yield flowers, herbs and veggies — grown from easy-to-use seed pods — to use in the community. Consider bringing indoor hydroponic gardening to your senior care community. Contact us today to learn more.
1 https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/16411871/
2 https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8469939/
For more information contact us at education@risegardens.com
Frequently Asked Questions
How does gardening help people with dementia?
Gardening engages multiple senses—touch, smell, sight—which can stimulate memory and reduce agitation in people with dementia. Studies suggest that therapeutic horticulture activities improve mood, decrease anxiety, and provide a meaningful sense of purpose.
Is indoor gardening safe for seniors with cognitive decline?
Indoor hydroponic gardens like Rise Gardens are an excellent option for seniors with cognitive decline because they eliminate sharp tools, heavy soil, and outdoor hazards. The simple, structured nature of checking on plants and harvesting leaves offers gentle daily routine and engagement.
What types of plants are best for dementia care gardening programs?
Aromatic herbs like lavender, mint, and rosemary are particularly effective in dementia care settings because their strong scents can evoke positive memories. Easy-to-grow leafy greens are also ideal as they provide quick, rewarding results that reinforce engagement.
Can gardening activities replace or supplement dementia therapy?
Horticultural therapy is recognized as a complementary approach that can supplement traditional dementia care by promoting social interaction, physical activity, and cognitive stimulation. It is not a replacement for medical treatment but can meaningfully improve quality of life.
