Structured Floral Arrangement Program Benefits in Patients With Neurocognitive Disorder

Abstract

We attempted to clarify positive benefits in cognitive abilities and motivation during our cognitive intervention [structured floral arrangement (SFA) program] for patients with neurocognitive disorder due to stroke, traumatic brain injury (TBI), and other related disorders. In this SFA program, participants are required to arrange cut flowers and leaves on absorbent foam according to an instruction sheet. In a previous study of patients with schizophrenia, our SFA program encouraged participants and contributed to stimulating their visuospatial process and memory. Here, 27 patients with neurocognitive disorders participated in this study. Sixteen patients were assigned to an SFA-treated group and participated in six sessions during two phases plus to daily activities. Eleven non-treated patients engaged only daily activities during the same period. We compared Apathy Scale scores and neuropsychological scores between the SFA-treated and non-treated patients. Their mean attendance rate was more than 90% during the two phases. SFA-treated patients copied a Rey–Osterrieth complex figure more accurately than non-treated patients (p < 0.05) during the later intervention phase, whereas during the earlier phase, accuracy was comparable between treated and non-treated groups. In the SFA-treated group, recall scores also improved (p < 0.01), and the positive outcomes were maintained for about 3 months (p < 0.05). The Apathy Scale scores did not show significant change in either the SFA-treated or non-treated groups. Our present results suggest that the SFA program encouraged continuous participation to cognitive intervention and was useful for ameliorating dysfunctions in visuospatial memory and recognition in patients with neurocognitive disorder.

Indoor horticultural therapy for older adults living in a nursing home: Bedside structured floral arrangement program

“…Although the duration of the bedside SFA therapy was approximately 4 min, the participants enjoyed the activity and the flowers in their room for several days, which possibly induced a significant improvement in QOL and mental state. In previous studies on horticultural works, similar benefits were reported in patients with psychiatric 7,8 or neurocognitive 6,7,9 disorders and in healthy people; 4 the present results are consistent with those of the previous studies. During the study, two participants watered the flowers at their own initiative, and apparently, they acquired a new role in the nursing home.…”

The impact of a structured floral arrangement (SFA) program on caregivers’ mental health: A pilot study

“…SFA intervention reduced total mean GHQ-28 scores to below the cut-off threshold (5 points) only in caregivers in the Flower group and not in the Stick group. Thus, the use of real flowers and leaves during SFA is essential for positively affecting caregivers' mental health, though training with sticks was sufficient as CT for patients with neurocognitive disorders [13]. Caregivers were therefore supported emotionally when their care-recipients participated in the SFA program using flowers and leaves.…”

“…We have developed a structured floral arrangement (SFA) program as cognitive training (CT) for patients with psychiatric or neurocognitive disorders [11][12][13]. SFA participants were asked to arrange cut flowers and leaves on absorbent foam according to an instruction sheet as part of a day-care program.…”

“…SFA participants were asked to arrange cut flowers and leaves on absorbent foam according to an instruction sheet as part of a day-care program. The SFA program improved visuospatial processes and spatial memory and encouraged continuous participation in patients with neurocognitive or psychiatric disorders [11,13]. The SFA program has benefits similar to horticultural therapy.…”

“…The SFA program has benefits similar to horticultural therapy. Treated patients took home the natural arrangements and enjoyed these works with their caregivers (family members or care staffs) [11,13]. The arranged flowers and leaves were expected to support coping with stresses not only patients but also their family caregivers or care workers in each home.…”