Sarah Oduwale
Abstract
Dementia is on the rise globally and includes complex cognitive and neuropsychiatric manifestations. It is characterized by progressive loss of function in one or more of the following cognitive abilities: learning and memory, language, executive function, and complex attention. Our team’s mission is to identify effective neuropsychiatric symptom management techniques for People Living with Dementia (PLWD). Therapeutic Horticulture could benefit PLWD by improving agitation levels, reducing stress, and alleviating depression. Through this Therapeutic Horticulture project, we aim to provide the infirmed Jesuits at Saint Joseph’s University with positive and rewarding experiences by promoting exposure to nature, light physical activity, socialization, peace, and relaxation. Through weekly visits, our team will engage the men in both active and passive plant-based activities such as preparing beds, sowing seeds, planting, maintenance, harvesting, and visiting nearby places like Longwood Gardens and The Barnes Arboretum. These activities will foster a sense of accomplishment and purpose for the participants as well as improve their quality of life.
