Exploring the benefits of park visits for individuals with dementia and their caregivers

Examining the Effects of an 8-Week Open Label Nature-Based Park Visit Program on the Quality of Life, Behaviors and Cognitive Symptoms of Individuals With Dementia and Their Caregivers

This study is testing whether an 8-week program of visiting nature parks can improve the quality of life for people with mild to moderate dementia and their caregivers.

Quick facts

• Phase: NA
• Study type: Interventional
• Enrollment: 20 (estimated)
• Ages: 65 Years and up
• Sex: All
• Sponsor: University of Calgary (other)
• Locations: 1 site (Calgary, Alberta)
• Trial ID: NCT05527587 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This project aims to assess the effects of an 8-week nature park visit program on individuals living with mild to moderate dementia and their caregivers. Participants will receive education on the benefits of outdoor activities and will engage in weekly support meetings to share experiences and address challenges. The study will evaluate the impact of these park visits on quality of life, neuropsychiatric symptoms, cognition, and stress levels. By focusing on non-pharmacological interventions, the study seeks to enhance the well-being of both patients and caregivers.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates include individuals aged 65 and older with mild to moderate dementia who currently engage in limited outdoor activities.

Not a fit: Patients with unstable medical conditions that prevent outdoor activities or those residing in long-term care facilities may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this program could significantly improve the quality of life and mental health of individuals with dementia and their caregivers.

How similar studies have performed: While there is limited evidence specifically on nature-based activities for dementia, previous studies have shown positive outcomes from non-pharmacological interventions in similar populations.

Eligibility criteria

Inclusion Criteria:

* Male and female participants who are 65 years or older
* PLWD who meet Diagnostics and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders DSM-5 for major neurocognitive disorder due to Alzheimer's disease
* Individuals with mild to moderate dementia as assessed on the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) corresponding to scores of 12-25 on the 12-item assessment or 10-18 on the 9-item telephone MoCA assessment
* Participants who currently participate in less than 2 hours of outdoor activities weekly using the Community Healthy Activities Model Program for Seniors (CHAMPS) questionnaire
* Caregivers who spend at least 2 hours per week with PLWD
* Participants that are able to mobilize independently or with assistive devices and have the ability access local parks either independently or with the assistance of caregivers.

Exclusion Criteria:

* Participants with unstable conditions that prevent outdoor activities
* Patients residing in long-term care or nursing homes
* Individuals with AD who have no access to a caregiver
* Participants with limited mobility that prevents outdoor activities
* Participants who do not have adequate comprehension and verbal communication in English necessary to participate in measurement of outcomes.

Where this trial is running

Calgary, Alberta

• Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary — Calgary, Alberta, Canada (RECRUITING)

Study contacts

• Principal investigator: Dallas P Seitz, MD, PhD — University of Calgary
• Study coordinator: Dallas P Seitz, MD, PhD

Conditions: Mild Dementia, Moderate Dementia, Alzheimer Disease, Dementia, Nature, Outdoor activities, Mental health, Alzheimer's disease