The Therapeutic Effect of Alzheimer’s Gardens on Dementia Patients Sarena Patel, Jessica Tages College of Nursing and Health Professions Advisor: Masaru Teramoto, PhD, MPH Department of Health Sciences BACKGROUND • Alzheimer’s disease is defined as a neural degenerative disease that progressively affects one’s memory, thinking, and behavior. • Alzheimer’s is a specific form of dementia that tends to affect a population of ages sixty-five and older. • Standard treatment of care includes the use of antidepressants, cholerestinase inhibitors, and stays at inpatient facilities. • Alzheimer’s is the 6th leading cause of death in the US. OBJECTIVES • To compare the standard treatment of care to the use of therapeutic gardens known as Alzheimer’s gardens to slow the progression of this disease. Also, to note behavior patterns in patients and see if they become less agitated. • To improve on the preexisting layout of the gardens and see if specific designs play a role in the outcome of patients’ wellbeing. METHODS • Specific designs that aid the distressing patients to exercise the majority of their senses. o Flowers that give off soothing aromas. o Gardens are generally outdoors for familiar sounds and sensations such as birds chirping and wind. o Benches and trees in specific spots so as not to give off threatening shadows. o Street signs that are familiar in the real world RESULTS • • • • • Improvement in interaction with staff and other residents. Interaction with family improves. Depression levels decrease. Agitation levels decrease. Cognitive functions show improvement. CONCLUSION • A review of the articles shows an overall decrease in aggravated outbursts and calmer demeanors in all patients that utilized the Alzheimer’s gardens. No conclusions were drawn however, because more research needs to be done on this topic. The gardens could potentially be used in the future as a treatment options for those suffering from dementia or Alzheimer’s. REFERENCES Assistance in garden. 2012. The Dallas Morning News. N.p. Ball, M.J., V. Hachinsky, A. Fox, A.J. Kirshen, H. Merskey, M. Fisman, W. Blume, A. Kral, and H. Fox. “A New Definiton of Alzheimer’s Disease: A Hippocampal Dementia.” The Lancet. N.p., 5 Jan 1985. Web. 3 Feb. 2015. Garden Layout. 2015. Bosenberg & Co., N.p. Landscape Features. 2010. ASLA Professional Awards, N.p. Zeisel, John, and Tyson, Martha. “Alzheimer’s Treatment Gardens.” Healing Gardens: Therapeutic Benefits and Design Recommendations. Hoboken: John Wiley & Sons, 1999. P. 437-446. Web.