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2022 Pilot Awards for Global Brain Health Leaders (GBHI)

The Bloom Social Therapeutic Horticultural,Healing-Garden Project for Elderly

Can a community garden impact quality of life for individuals with dementia and their caregivers? 

Funmi Akindejoye
Arts in Medical Projects
Ibadan, Nigeria



Background

Individuals with Alzheimer’s and other dementias may experience mood and behavioral changes including depression, stress, anxiety, and loneliness. Community spaces are a new approach to reducing these mental health challenges and improve quality of life for those living with dementia as well as their caregivers. Studies have shown that being in nature and gardening can promote physical, mental, social engagement and emotional health in the elderly. However, access to these community spaces presents a challenge to elderly care homes with less green space and limited outdoor activities. 

Research Plan

For their project, Dr. Akindejoye and colleagues will create dementia-friendly garden spaces in two elderly care homes in Lagos, Nigeria with a minimum of 50 residents as part of the Bloom Social Therapeutic Horticulture Program with the goal of improving quality of life for both residents and staff members. As part of the program, the team will train and educate staff and caregivers on the health benefits of being in nature so they may encourage residents in the care homes to use the garden space. Lastly, Dr. Akindejoye and colleagues will conduct surveys to assess changes in wellbeing and quality of life for residents and staff members to evaluate the impact of the new garden space. 
 

Impact

If successful, the findings from this study may highlight how a community garden could improve quality of life for individuals with dementia and their caregivers. These results could inform care homes on how to incorporate green spaces into existing infrastructures.

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