Plant-Based Programming for Older Adults with Mild

Cognitive ImpairmentMaddi Nagel, Cordelia Nemitz, Lily Matson, Liz Fischer, Holly Giovengo, Donna Pearson

BRiTE Wellness Program at University of Pittsburgh

BRiTE Wellness Program: day program to promote brain health and stimulate compensatory strategies

Population served: individuals with mild impairments in cognition

Purpose: stimulate their brain with a goal of improving overall health and wellness

Activities: music, creative expression, movement, SmartBrain (computer-based brain stimulation activities) & socialization

Research

In pain management, associated with improved physical, mental health, coping ability with chronic muscle pain

May improve well-being, sleep, med compliance, decrease falls

Cognitive stimulation: problem solving, social and memory engagement, task initiation associated with improved mood

(Alves, et al., 2014; Jean et al., 2010)

Horticulture

Gardening improves general physical health and prevention

Adapt to skill levels, abilities

Improves memory, cognitive abilities, task initiation, and language skills

Strengthens muscles, improves coordination, balance, and endurance

Social integration

Increases social and behavioral activation and mental well-being

Goals

▶ Purpose: Engage older adults with mild cognitive impairment in interactive activities utilizing a multimodal and horticulture-based approach to increase socialization and positive mood.

Programming by Hartfords

Components of each presentation:

- Theme- Research / Symbolism - Sensory Activities

- Taste (tea, etc.)- Touch- Smell

- Effects of activity on the brain- Open invitation to reminisce & share- Pre/post-tests to measure mood - Handouts

Growing Plants From Your Food Scraps

Tea: Ginger Tea and Lemon

Education on benefits of plants

Overview of plants that can be regrown

Activity to plant pomegranate and papaya

Effects of activity on the brain

Presenter

Presentation Notes

Lily

Winter Plants & Aromatherapy

Tea: Chamomile Tea with cranberries

Tea benefits

Plant symbolism

Benefits of aromatherapy

Essential oils

Potpourri activity

Garland

Effects on the brain

Presenter

Presentation Notes

Cordelia

Happy Hydration: With Herbs and Other Plant-Based Foods

Benefit and importance of hydration

Infusing water and tea with herbs and fruits

Water sampling and discussion

Herb planting: basil, parsley, rosemary

Recipe hand-out

Effects on brain

Presenter

Presentation Notes

Lily

Valentine’s Day Plant Symbolism Through Art, Chocolate, and Roses

Tea: Rose tea and benefits

Plant symbolism

Flower petal art

Benefits of chocolate/chocolate tasting

Effects on the brain

Presenter

Presentation Notes

Liz

Pre / Post Test Results

Average Pre-Mood: 3.8Average Post-Mood: 4.2Average Change in Mood: 0.3Average Satisfaction Score: 4.8

Mood CodingGreat = 5Happy = 4In the middle = 3Sad = 2Depressed = 1

Satisfaction CodingVery satisfied = 5satisfied = 4neutral = 3unsatisfied = 2very unsatisfied = 1

Qualitative Results

“Coloring is good for my inner child… and my adult child too!”

“My plants are still growing and beautiful, I repotted them”

“After the class on hydration, I used fruit in my water! It was good!”

“Wow this is so lovely!” (during Valentine’s day class activity)

Lessons Learned / Implications for Social Work PracticeMoved from strictly plant-based to multi-modal

Modified pre/post-test scale

Incorporated more structure after first presentation (tasks & time)

Space for storytelling

Benefits of interactive activities

Flexibility of programming to meet participant-specific needs (e.g. altering classroom lay-out, information dosing)

References Alves, Alves-Costa, Magalhães, onçalves, Sampaio. (2014). Cognitive stimulation for Portuguese older adults with cognitive impairment: A randomized controlled trial of efficacy, comparative duration, feasibility, and experiential relevance. American Journal of Alzheimer's Disease & Other Dementias, 26(6), 503-512, retrieved from https://doi-org.pitt.idm.oclc.org/10.1177/1533317514522541

Diamant, E. & Waterhouse, A. (2010). Gardening and belonging: Reflections on how social and therapeutic horticulture may facilitate health, wellbeing and inclusion. British Journal of Occupational Therapy, 73(2), 84-88. doi:http://dx.doi.org.pitt.idm.oclc.org/10.4276/030802210X12658062793924

Gonzalez MT, Hartig T, Patil GG, Martinsen EW, Kirkevold M. A prospective study of group cohesiveness in therapeutic horticulture for clinical depression. Int J Ment Health Nurs. 2011;20:119–29.

Jean, L., Bergeron, M., Thivierge, S., & Simard, M. (2010). Cognitive intervention programs for individuals with mild cognitive impairment: Systematic review of the literature. The American Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry, 18(4), 281-296. 10.1097/JGP.0b013e3181c37ce9

Verra, M., Angst, F., Beck, T., Lehmann, S., Brioschi, R., & Schneiter, R. (2012). Horticultural therapy for patients with chronic musculoskeletal pain: Results of a pilot study. Alternative Therapies in Health and Medicine, 18(2), 44-50.