Natural Solution Against Alzheimer's

Neurology specialist Prof. Dr. Barış Metin from Üsküdar Üniversitesi NPİSTANBUL Hospital discussed the causes and effects of Alzheimer's disease and the importance of daily life activities in slowing disease progression.

Neurology specialist Prof. Dr. Barış Metin, noting that brain cell damage and accumulation of toxic substances underlie Alzheimer's disease, stated: "While pharmaceutical treatments are important in combating this disease, it must be understood that it is not a condition treated with medications alone. One way to slow disease progression and improve quality of life is to focus on daily life activities."

Metin noted that gardening and plant care in particular can improve quality of life by providing both physical and emotional benefits, and that such activities also help Alzheimer's patients feel better by reducing social isolation.

Memory, attention and cognitive abilities can decline with age
Prof. Dr. Barış Metin stated that Alzheimer's disease is the most common cause of dementia cases: "The frequency of occurrence increases with age. It is seen more frequently in elderly populations and is fundamentally rooted in the deterioration and damage of brain cells."

Metin explained that this damage begins when toxic substances accumulating as a result of metabolic processes in the brain harm brain cells: "This process leads to early deterioration of brain cells and makes them smaller than normal. As a result, with the loss of brain cells, a person's advanced cognitive abilities such as memory, attention and planning can also be lost."

Focus on daily life activities!
Prof. Dr. Barış Metin emphasized the importance of understanding that while Alzheimer's disease is often associated with forgetfulness, dementia is a more complex condition: "As this disease progresses, the individual faces more serious cognitive and behavioral problems affecting their daily life. The primary cause of Alzheimer's disease is the accumulation of various toxic substances that lead to early death of brain cells."

Metin, also noting that Alzheimer's disease is a progressive brain disease characterized by forgetfulness, cognitive impairment and behavioral changes, stated: "While pharmaceutical treatments are important in combating this disease, it must be understood that it is not a condition treated with medications alone. Alzheimer's patients are given various medications. However, these medications do not completely eliminate the disease. Medications can help reduce forgetfulness to some extent and improve distressing behaviors and emotional problems in the person. However, one way to slow disease progression and improve quality of life is to focus on daily life activities."
Gardening and plant care are recommended for Alzheimer's patients…

Prof. Dr. Barış Metin, drawing attention to research showing that Alzheimer's patients experience slower disease progression when they participate more in daily life activities, stated: "In particular, activities such as physical exercise, hobbies and gardening can improve patients' quality of life and slow disease progression."

Noting that gardening and plant care are recommended activities for Alzheimer's patients, Metin explained: "These activities provide positive effects in many ways. First, research shows that the more physical activity is demonstrated, the slower disease progression can be. Additionally, gardening, contacting soil and plants can help a person relax emotionally and experience a positive effect."

Gardening and plant care can reduce the effects of social isolation!
Neurology specialist Prof. Dr. Barış Metin, also noting that gardening and plant care can prevent social isolation for Alzheimer's patients, stated: "Patients living in cities in particular can experience depression and feelings of helplessness when left alone at home. However, gardening and plant care can help a person connect with nature and reduce the effects of social isolation."

Metin, emphasizing that Alzheimer's patients should be recommended activities such as gardening and plant cultivation, concluded: "These activities can support patients' physical and emotional health, slow disease progression and reduce the effects of social isolation."