Nature is not a place to visit, it is home

The value of nature on the quality of life of people with dementia – a PhD project
Shadows of two people in a field overlooking Plymouth
PhD title: "Nature is not a place to visit, it is home": The value of nature on the quality of life of people with dementia
Dates: 2024–2027
Student:  Lorna Smith (University of Plymouth)
Supervisors: Dr Nicolas Farina – Director of studies (University of Plymouth), Dr Kayleigh Wyles (University of Plymouth), Dr Hannah Wheat (University of Plymouth), Dr Ben Hicks (Brighton and Sussex Medical School) 
 

Overview

As the number of people with dementia grows globally, there is a pressing need to find innovative approaches to ensure people can live well with dementia. While policy recognises the importance of blue and green spaces, the precise mechanisms to improve quality of life remain unclear. This PhD studentship addresses the critical gap in understanding the nuanced relationship between engagement with nature and quality of life for people with dementia.

Objectives

  • Understand how people with dementia engage with natural spaces
  • Explore the relationship between engagement with nature and quality of life in people with dementia
  • Explore what features of engaging with nature are most meaningful to the person with dementia, while in nature.

Methodology

This project will employ a mixed-methods approach, integrating quantitative measures to track engagement frequency and context with qualitative interviews to capture personal experiences. 
By focusing on real-time data collection, the research aims to minimise reliance on retrospective recall, thus generating more robust insights into the immediate benefits of nature engagement for people with dementia.
Gate in a field
 
 
 

Empowering lives, enriching communities

The University of Plymouth is at the forefront of advancing dementia research, with a focus on improving the support and quality of life of people with dementia and their carers. 
We are a collaborative group of researchers and clinicians aiming to address the local and global challenges faced by those affected by dementia. 
Laughing senior friends sitting together on a park bench