RESEARCH

How are Nature-Based Interventions Defined in Mild Cognitive Impairment and Dementia Studies? A Conceptual Systematic Review and Novel Taxonomy

The review found that most nature-based interventions led to improvements in mood, quality of life, and general well-being among people with mild cognitive impairment or dementia, although effects on memory and thinking abilities were mixed. The study produced the first-ever taxonomy for these interventions, offering a practical guide to help researchers and clinicians design and explain structured, evidence-based programs in this field.

Program Types: Therapeutic

Population Groups: Dementia/Traumatic & Acquired Brain Injuries

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

Health and Wellness Outcomes: Enhanced Emotional Well-being, Increased Social Engagement & Skills, Improved Quality of Life

Allied Profession Intersections: Recreational Therapy, Landscape Design, Forest/Ecotherapy

Type of Activity: Sensory Stimulation, Indoor Plant Care, Outdoor Gardening, Edible Plant Gardening, Nature-Based Arts & Crafts, Forest/Natural Area Immersion

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

Measurement and Evaluation: Metrics for Mental Health, Program Effectiveness

Access: Free

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Summary

This study reviewed how nature-based interventions—such as gardening, forest walks, and virtual nature experiences—have been used to support people with mild cognitive impairment or dementia. The researchers looked at 52 articles published between 2008 and 2024 to understand how these interventions were defined and structured. Many of the activities were designed to improve mood, reduce stress, and increase quality of life, and included both active experiences (like planting or walking in nature) and passive ones (like viewing gardens or virtual reality nature scenes). The goal was to create a clear system, or “taxonomy,” that helps future researchers and healthcare providers better describe and design these kinds of therapies.

The authors developed a detailed taxonomy that categorized 13 types of nature-based interventions based on characteristics such as purpose, setting, physical features, and activities involved. Gardening and nature-based virtual reality were the most commonly studied methods. The review revealed that many studies lacked consistency in how they described these interventions, which can make it hard to replicate or evaluate them. The new taxonomy offers a helpful framework for creating more structured, reliable, and accessible nature-based programs in dementia care.

Link

Jiang, H., Eaglestone, G., McCrone, P. et al. (2024). How are nature-based interventions defined in mild cognitive impairment and dementia studies? A conceptual systematic review and novel taxonomy. Dementia, 14713012241261788.

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