RESEARCH

Benefits of Gardening Activities for Cognitive Function According to Measurement of Brain Nerve Growth Factor Levels

A 20-minute low-to-moderate intensity gardening activity significantly increased the levels of BDNF and PDGF, which are important for memory, in senior individuals. This suggests that short-term gardening has a potential benefit for cognitive function in older adults.

Program Types: Therapeutic

Population Groups: Older Adults/Seniors

Setting or Context: Public/Botanical Gardens

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

Type of Activity: Outdoor Gardening

Evidence Type: Qualitative Research

Measurement and Evaluation: Metrics for Mental Health, Standardized Assessment Tools, Program Effectiveness

Access: Free

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Summary

This study looked at whether a short gardening session could improve brain health in older adults. The researchers wanted to see if gardening activities could increase the levels of certain proteins in the blood that are important for memory and thinking skills. They recruited 41 senior individuals from Seoul, South Korea, with an average age of 76. These participants engaged in a 20-minute low-to-moderate intensity gardening activity, which involved tasks like cleaning a garden plot, digging, fertilizing, raking, planting, and watering in a garden at Konkuk University. Before and after this gardening session, nurses took blood samples from the participants to measure the levels of specific brain nerve growth factors.

The researchers focused on three key proteins: brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF), and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF). Their analysis of the blood samples showed that the levels of BDNF and PDGF significantly increased after the 20-minute gardening activity. BDNF is known to support the survival and growth of brain cells and is linked to memory, while PDGF helps with blood vessel growth and neuron survival. However, the study did not find a significant change in the levels of VEGF. The researchers concluded that even a short period of gardening can potentially benefit memory function in older adults by increasing these important brain-related proteins.

Link

Park, S. A., Lee, A. Y., Park, H. G., & Lee, W. L. (2019). Benefits of Gardening Activities for Cognitive Function According to Measurement of Brain Nerve Growth Factor Levels. International journal of environmental research and public health, 16(5), 760.

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