RESEARCH

Exposure to Nature Gardens Has Time-Dependent Associations with Mood Improvements for People with Mid- and Late-Stage Dementia: Innovative Practice

This study indicates that exposure to nature gardens can improve the mood of people with mid- to late-stage dementia, with the most significant benefits occurring with exposure times of 80-90 minutes. The relationship between time spent in nature and mood improvement is non-linear, suggesting that shorter, regular exposures may be more beneficial than longer durations.

Program Types: Therapeutic

Population Groups: Dementia/Traumatic & Acquired Brain Injuries

Setting or Context: Community Gardens

Type of Activity: Outdoor Gardening, Forest/Natural Area Immersion

Evidence Type: Quantitative Research

Measurement and Evaluation: Metrics for Mental Health, Metrics for Physical Health, Program Effectiveness

Access: Free

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Summary

This study examines the impact of exposure to a nature garden on the mood of individuals with mid- to late-stage dementia. Conducted at a dementia care facility in the UK, the study used carer-assessed measures to evaluate changes in the mood of residents after they spent time in a nature garden. The study aimed to understand the relationship between the duration of exposure to nature and any resulting improvements in mood.

The study found that exposure to the nature garden was associated with a positive change in the mood of the patients. However, this relationship was non-linear, meaning that there was a threshold after which additional time spent in the garden did not lead to further mood improvement. The greatest mood improvements were observed with outdoor times of 80–90 minutes. The study suggests that even relatively short exposures to nature can significantly improve the mood of people with dementia.

Link

White, PC., Wyatt, J., Chalfont, G. et al. (2018). Exposure to nature gardens has time-dependent associations with mood improvements for people with mid- and late-stage dementia. Innovative Practice Dementia (London), 17(5), 627-634.

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