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Written By: Editorial Team | Updated : October 8, 2014 10:46 AM IST
For people suffering from dementia, spending time in gardens can bring relaxation, encourage activities and reduce stress, shows a study. 'Gardens can benefit dementia sufferers by providing them with sensory stimulation and an environment that triggers memories,' said lead researcher Rebecca Whear from University of Exeter Medical School. Gardens not only present an opportunity to relax in a calming setting, but also to remember skills and habits that have brought enjoyment in the past, Whear noted.
The study, supported by the National Institute for Health Research Collaboration for Applied Health Research and Care South West Peninsula (NIHR PenCLAHRC), also found that gardens offer welcome spaces for interactions with visitors. 'Still, there is a lot we do not know about how a garden's design and setting influence its ability to affect well being. Yet, it is clear that these spaces need to offer a range of ways of interacting for dementia patients,' stressed Ruth Garside, an expert in evidence synthesis and one of the paper's authors. (Read: Exercise could boost cognitive skills in people suffering from dementia)
According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), the number of people living with dementia worldwide is currently estimated at 35.6 million. This number will double by 2030 and more than triple by 2050. The research was published in the Journal of the American Medical Directors Association. (Read: Speak two languages? You're less likely to get dementia!)
What is dementia? What causes it?
Dementia is a collective group of degenerative mental illnesses which is characterised by loss of cognitive function (beyond what is generally observed with normal ageing). The exact cause of dementia is still unknown but several situations can cause dementia. Degeneration of brain cells (neurons), infections that affect the brain and spine, brain abnormalities like hydrocephalus, head injuries and nutritional deficiencies are few factors that can cause dementia.
What are the symptoms of dementia?
Dementia being a group of mental diseases does not affect every person is a specific manner. Therefore two individuals suffering from dementia can exhibit totally different symptoms. However, in the initial stages the following symptoms may be seen:
What treatment is given for patients with dementia?
There is no cure for dementia. The goal of treatment in dementia is to slow down the progression of the condition. Drug therapy is commonly used for treatment of most forms of dementia like Alzheimer's disease. For the symptoms of memory loss medications like cholinesterase inhibitors and memantine (Namenda) are prescribed. Sometimes, non-drug therapies like cognitive behavourial therapy also helps to alleviate a few symptoms of dementia. Read more about Dementia causes, symptoms, treatment and prevention
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