RESEARCH

Complementary and Alternative Treatments in Older Adults with Cognitive Impairments

Horticultural therapy, which involves gardening and exposure to nature, has shown promising results in reducing stress and anxiety while improving cognitive functioning among older adults with dementia. Several studies have linked this cost-effective, community-based intervention to positive outcomes, leading some assisted living and memory care facilities to incorporate small raised gardens for their residents.

Program Types: Therapeutic

Population Groups: Older Adults/Seniors, Dementia/Traumatic & Acquired Brain Injuries, Caregivers/Healthcare Professionals

Setting or Context: Assisted Living/Long-Term Care Homes

Health and Wellness Outcomes: Improved Mental Health, Increased Sense of Belonging (Reduced Isolation), Improved Stress Management, Improved Cognitive Function

Allied Profession Intersections: Nursing

Type of Activity: Outdoor Gardening, Nature-Based Arts & Crafts, Forest/Natural Area Immersion

Evidence Type: Peer-Reviewed Studies, Meta-Analyses/Systematic Reviews

Measurement and Evaluation: Metrics for Mental Health, Patient-Reported Outcomes

Access: Free

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Summary

This article reviews various complementary and alternative therapies for older adults with cognitive impairments. The author examines several approaches: combination treatment modalities, participatory arts therapy, yoga/tai chi, horticultural therapy, and animal-assisted therapy. These interventions have shown promising results in improving cognitive function, quality of life, and overall well-being for older adults with memory issues.

Studies on combination treatment modalities found that combining pharmaceutical therapies with alternative methods like acupuncture, music, and physical therapy can improve cognitive dysfunction. Participatory arts therapies, such as expressive writing, singing, and visual arts, enhanced memory, creativity, and problem-solving skills in older adults. Yoga and tai chi demonstrated improvements in cognitive functioning status, while horticultural therapy showed benefits in reducing stress and anxiety among older adults with dementia. Animal-assisted therapy, particularly with dogs and even miniature horses, was found to improve the quality of life and cognitive functioning in residents with cognitive decline. While these therapies show promise, the article notes that more research is needed to determine the optimal modalities and dosages for treating cognitive impairments in older adults.

Link

Harvey, L.P. (2024). Complementary and alternative treatments in older adults with cognitive impairments. SJ Geriatrics & Gerentology, 1(1), 1-2.

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