Horticultural Activities Among the People with Dementia and Their Family Caregivers

Launched by THE HONG KONG POLYTECHNIC UNIVERSITY · Oct 28, 2024

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

This clinical trial is exploring how gardening activities, enhanced by technology, can help people with dementia and their family caregivers. The main goals are to see if these activities can improve thinking and behavior in individuals with dementia, while also reducing stress and feelings of sadness in their caregivers, ultimately improving their quality of life. The study will take place in two phases: first, a small pilot study in a day hospital for older adults, and then a larger trial in community settings.

To participate, individuals with dementia need to be 65 or older, diagnosed with early to moderate dementia, living in the community, and able to understand and follow simple instructions in Cantonese. Caregivers must be at least 18 years old, related to the person with dementia, and actively providing daily care and support. Participants will join indoor gardening activities, receive training, and complete assessments before and after the program. It's important to note that individuals with certain mental health conditions or those taking specific medications won't be eligible to participate.

Gender

ALL

Eligibility criteria

• Inclusion Criteria (PWD):
• • aged 65 or above;
• • diagnosed with any type of dementia at the early to moderate stage;
• • community-dwelling (i.e., non-institutionalized); and
• • able to understand Cantonese and follow simple instructions.
• • Inclusion Criteria (Caregivers)
• • aged 18 years or above;
• • blood or by-marriage relatives (e.g., spouses, siblings, children, and grandchildren) of a person who has been clinically diagnosed with dementia, regardless of its type;
• • are taking up caring responsibilities ranging from physical aid to emotional support, in the form of transportation, financial assistance, personal hygiene, and decision-making;
• • providing most of the daily care and support for PWD (daily contact for at least four hours); and
• • able to speak Cantonese.
• Exclusion Criteria (PWD + Caregivers):
• • being diagnosed with a mental disorder such as bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, or depression;
• • taking anticonvulsants or any kind of psychotropic drugs; and
• • identified with self-reported suicidal thoughts or drug abuse in the past 6 months.