1. Plant-Based Programming for Older Adults with Mild Cognitive Impairment
Maddi Nagel, Cordelia Nemitz, Lily Matson, Liz Fischer, Holly Giovengo, Donna Pearson

2. 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
Holly & Maddi (why this population)

3. 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)
Donna (plant-based) & Maddi
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.
(Verra, Angst, Beck, Lehmann, Brioschi, & Schneiter, 2012)
DOI /jocn.12388
Maddie notes: Cognitive intervention programs have been shown in research to be effective methods to improve mood and well-being of individuals with MCI. Cognitive stimulation activities (as described above) are included in this category. Therefore, we combined this research with the known benefits of horticulture based interventions to create our programming.

4. 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

5. 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.
Liz

6. 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
Holly

7. 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
Lily

8. Lily

9. Winter Plants & Aromatherapy
Tea: Chamomile Tea with cranberries
Tea benefits
Plant symbolism
Benefits of aromatherapy
Essential oils
Potpourri activity
Garland
Effects on the brain
Cordelia

10. Cordelia

11. 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
Lily

12. Lily

13. 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
Liz

14. Liz

15. Pre / Post Test Results Mood Coding Great = 5 Average Pre-Mood: 3.8
Happy = 4
In the middle = 3
Sad = 2
Depressed = 1
Average Pre-Mood: 3.8
Average Post-Mood: 4.2
Average Change in Mood: 0.3
Average Satisfaction Score: 4.8
Satisfaction Coding
Very satisfied = 5
satisfied = 4
neutral = 3
unsatisfied = 2
very unsatisfied = 1
Holly

16. 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)
Donna

17. Lessons Learned / Implications for Social Work Practice
Moved 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)
Group

19. 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), , retrieved from
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), doi:
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), /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),