The effect of horticultural activities on physical and cognitive status, mental well-being, social participation and quality of life in individuals diagnosed with dementia

In this study, the effects of horticultural activities applied to individuals with dementia living in nursing homes on their physical and cognitive status, mental well-being, social participation and quality of life were examined. The evaluation and activity program was carried out face to face and 40 individuals were included in the study. A 10-week horticultural activity program was applied to the study group, 2 days a week (1 activity day and 1 visit day), while only evaluations were applied to the control group. Mini Mental State Test (MMSE) was used to evaluate the participants' mental states; Timed Up and Go Test (ZKY) to evaluate functional mobility, balance and functional performance; Rapid Mild Cognitive Impairment Test (HHKB) to evaluate cognitive status; Warwick-Edinburgh Mental Well-Being Scale (WEMIO) to assess mental well-being; The Social and Emotional Loneliness Scale for Adults (SELSA-S) was used to measure social and emotional loneliness, and the World Health Organization Quality of Life Scale Elderly Module (WHOQOL-OLD) was used to evaluate the quality of life. As a result of the study, it was determined that there was an improvement in the physical and cognitive status, mental well-being, social participation and quality of life levels of the study group with the applied activity program (p<0.05). No positive change was observed in the control group's physical and cognitive status, mental well-being, social participation and quality of life levels (p>0.05). The results obtained in our study reveal that horticultural activities applied to individuals with dementia living in nursing homes have positive effects. It is thought that it is important to include horticultural activities in the occupational therapy intervention programs of individuals with dementia living in nursing homes.