Symptoms of a deadly and heartbreaking disease can be prevented and eased with gardening

Lauren Frake, elderly care expert at Taking Care Personal Alarms, said in a press release: “We understand how challenging it can be to care for someone who is suffering from dementia, and the strain of finding suitable activities or hobbies for them.”

“Maintaining physical and cognitive functions is important to keep the brain stimulated, and many of our alarm users report that gardening is a great place to start. With its constant engagement and sensory stimulation, it can provide a welcome distraction and therapeutic benefits for individuals with dementia.”

Reintroducing someone with dementia to their garden will immerse them in beautiful colours, allowing them to focus on one thing. Frake said letting them work on garden tasks is an easy way to let them feel independent and set goals without much risk of injury.

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“It is also good to provide some clear guidance around the garden tasks they can get involved in, and breaking these steps down into manageable bitesize chunks so they don’t feel overwhelmed,” Franke said.

Nick White, Nature Recovery Ranger for Centre of Sustainable healthcare, said being amongst nature can often time spark childhood memories.

“For many people, being amongst nature and gardening is part of their core, childhood memories which is why gardening and being outdoors can be so beneficial and bring so much comfort to those suffering with dementia.”

The senses are connected to memory, so being able to touch, smell and see the different plants can help trigger recollection for patients, he said.