What plants are good for people with dementia? A guide to therapeutic horticulture

According to a 2006 study, daily gardening has been shown to lower the risk of developing dementia by 36%. Engaging with the natural world through plant life is a powerful tool in supporting cognitive function and emotional well-being, making the question of what plants are good for people with dementia a vital one for caregivers.

Quick Summary

Engaging people with dementia in horticultural therapy can improve memory, reduce stress, and enhance mood through sensory stimulation from plants like fragrant lavender, tactile lamb's ear, and vibrant African violets. Safe and low-maintenance options such as peace lilies and spider plants are also beneficial for indoor environments, promoting well-being and engagement.

Key Points

• Engage Multiple Senses: Choose plants that stimulate sight, smell, and touch, such as lavender, rosemary, and lamb's ear, to evoke memories and reduce agitation.

• Prioritize Safety: Always opt for non-toxic plants, especially in environments where residents might ingest them. Ensure pathways are clear and tools are safe.

• Consider Low-Maintenance Options: Indoor plants like peace lilies and snake plants are easy to care for and can purify the air, making them suitable for memory care settings.

• Boost Cognitive Function: Simple gardening tasks can improve memory, attention span, and fine motor skills, offering a sense of purpose and accomplishment.

• Create Accessible Spaces: Use raised garden beds and level, clear pathways to accommodate individuals with mobility issues and prevent falls, ensuring everyone can participate.

• Reduce Stress: Horticultural therapy is proven to lower cortisol levels and promote a sense of calm, improving overall mood and well-being.

The Therapeutic Power of Horticultural Therapy

Horticultural therapy, which involves engaging with plants, offers significant benefits for individuals with dementia, including cognitive, emotional, and physical improvements. Activities like watering or potting can stimulate senses, encourage movement, and provide routine.

Benefits Beyond the Bloom

• Cognitive Stimulation: Activities like plant identification can help memory and attention.
• Emotional Well-being: Nurturing plants can boost self-esteem and reduce stress and agitation.
• Sensory Engagement: Gardening stimulates senses through touch, smell, sight, and sound.
• Physical Activity: Simple tasks promote motor skills and movement.

Choosing the Right Sensory Plants

Selecting plants for people with dementia should focus on safe and familiar sensory stimulation. Container gardens are a good option.

Scents that Evoke Memory

• Lavender: Known for its calming scent, it can reduce agitation and improve sleep.
• Rosemary: Its strong scent is linked to improved concentration and cognitive performance.
• Peppermint: A refreshing scent that can boost alertness and memory.
• Chamomile: Has a soothing effect and can be used for tea.

Textures for Tactile Engagement

• Lamb's Ear: Soft leaves offer a calming tactile experience.
• Succulents: Offer unique textures that are safe to handle.
• Herbs: Provide varied textures for stimulation.

Colors and Sights for Visual Stimulation

• African Violets: Cheerful blooms and fuzzy leaves provide calming visuals.
• Marigolds: Offer vibrant color and are easy to grow.
• Coleus: Provides visual interest with colorful foliage.
• Sunflowers: Classic, cheerful, and attract pollinators.

Safe and Low-Maintenance Indoor Plants

Indoor plants are suitable for those with limited mobility. Always choose non-toxic varieties due to the risk of ingestion.

• Peace Lily: Easy to care for with air-purifying qualities.
• Snake Plant: Hardy and very low-maintenance.
• Spider Plant: Forgiving and easy to propagate.
• Pothos: A fast-growing vine, but mildly toxic if ingested, so place out of reach.

Creating an Accessible and Safe Gardening Space

Safety and accessibility are crucial for individuals with dementia in any gardening environment.

• Raised Garden Beds: Make gardening accessible for those with mobility issues.
• Clear Pathways: Prevent falls with wide, level, obstacle-free paths. Avoid dead-ends to prevent disorientation.
• Adaptive Tools: Use tools with large handles for easier grip.
• Seating Areas: Provide places to rest in sheltered spots.
• Secure Fencing: Enclose garden areas for safe wandering.

Comparing Therapeutic Plants for Dementia Care

Plant	Sensory Appeal	Care Level	Toxicity	Benefits
Lavender	Scent, Sight	Medium	Non-toxic	Calming, reduces agitation
Rosemary	Scent, Touch	Easy	Non-toxic	Enhances concentration, memory
Lamb's Ear	Touch	Easy	Non-toxic	Soft texture, soothing
African Violets	Sight, Touch	Medium	Non-toxic	Cheerful blooms, fuzzy leaves
Peace Lily	Sight	Easy	Mildly toxic	Air purifying, elegant blooms
Snake Plant	Sight	Very Easy	Toxic	Air purifying, hardy, low-maintenance

Disclaimer: Always consult a healthcare professional before introducing new therapies. Some plants, while aesthetically pleasing, can be toxic if ingested. Ensure all plants are safe for the specific individual and environment.

Conclusion: Nurturing a Connection to Nature

Incorporating appropriate plants into a care plan can significantly improve the quality of life for people with dementia through sensory and cognitive engagement. Selecting non-toxic, familiar, and accessible plants creates a therapeutic environment that can bring joy and reduce stress. For further guidance on creating a safe and accessible environment, resources like the Alzheimer's Society blog are helpful.

Frequently Asked Questions

What plants are best for a dementia sensory garden?

For a sensory garden, plants that engage multiple senses are best. Good options include fragrant herbs like lavender and rosemary, tactile plants like lamb's ear, and visually stimulating flowers such as marigolds and African violets.

Are indoor plants good for people with dementia?

Yes, indoor plants offer many benefits, including air purification, stress reduction, and visual interest. It is crucial to choose non-toxic varieties and place them safely, especially in a memory care setting.

How can gardening help with dementia symptoms?

Gardening, or horticultural therapy, can help with dementia symptoms by providing cognitive stimulation, encouraging physical activity, and reducing stress. It fosters a sense of purpose and can trigger positive memories.

What are some safe plants for people with dementia who might eat them?

Safety is paramount, and non-toxic plants should be selected. Edible herbs like rosemary, mint, and chamomile are good choices. Familiar, safe, non-edible plants like African violets or small, safe succulents are also good, but constant supervision is necessary.

How do I make a garden accessible for someone with dementia?

To create an accessible garden, use raised beds for easier reach, ensure pathways are smooth and wide enough for mobility aids, and install secure fencing to prevent wandering. Adding benches provides resting spots.

Does aromatherapy with plant scents work for dementia?

Yes, studies suggest that aromatherapy using plant scents can have a positive effect. Scents like lavender are known for their calming properties, which can help reduce agitation and improve mood in people with dementia.

What plants should be avoided for people with dementia?

Toxic plants, such as certain varieties of lily and philodendron, should be avoided. Also, avoid plants with sharp thorns or prickles, as they can cause injury. Always research a plant's toxicity before introducing it to an environment with dementia patients.