GARDENING THERAPY SEBAGAI ALTERNATIF INTERVENSI PADA LANSIA DENGAN DEMENSIA

Background: Aging is a natural process characterized by a decrease in the function of various organs of the body. One of the problems experienced by the elderly is a decline in cognitive function, namely dementia. Dementia is a condition in which a person experiences a decrease in brain function that affects memory, emotions, and decision making. One of the interventions that can be done to improve cognitive function in the elderly with dementia is gardening therapy. Objective: To determine the effectiveness of gardening therapy in the elderly with dementia. Methodology: The method used in this scientific paper is a case study of elderly people with dementia with the application of gardening therapy. Gardening therapy is a therapy that can be done to increase physical activity, reduce stress and provide positive energy for the elderly and improve cognitive function in the elderly with dementia. Gardening therapy is carried out for 2 weeks with a duration of approximately 30 minutes per day with activities such as planting, watering, and caring for plants. To assess the effectiveness of gardening therapy, pretest and posttest cognitive levels were measured using the MMSE assessment form. Results: The results of the intervention showed that there was an increase in the score of the MMSE assessment results. Based on the results of the MMSE assessment, before the intervention got a score of 22, and after the intervention got a score of 26. There was an increase in the time orientation section as well as attention and calculations. Conclusion: An intervention that can be done for the elderly with dementia is gardening therapy which has been proven to be effective in improving cognitive function.