Forest bathing, which means spending mindful, relaxed time in natural settings like forests, is generally considered both safe and helpful for people with Alzheimer’s disease, but with some important precautions. This practice involves immersing oneself in nature using all the senses—seeing the trees, hearing the sounds, smelling the fresh air—which can bring calm and reduce stress.
For people with Alzheimer’s, spending time outdoors in nature has been shown to improve mood, reduce anxiety, and even help with sleep patterns. Nature provides a soothing environment that can ease agitation and promote social interaction, which are often challenging for those living with dementia. The sensory stimulation from natural surroundings can also support cognitive function by encouraging attention and memory in a gentle way.
However, safety is a key concern. People with Alzheimer’s may have difficulty recognizing thirst, feeling overheated, or communicating discomfort, so caregivers must carefully monitor hydration and temperature, especially in warm weather. Outdoor activities should be planned during cooler parts of the day, such as early morning or late afternoon, to avoid heat-related risks. Activities should be tailored to the individual’s abilities and preferences, starting slowly and observing how they respond.
Even when access to real forests is limited, virtual forest bathing using immersive technology with sights, sounds, and scents of nature has shown promise in reducing stress and improving mood, suggesting alternative ways to bring nature’s benefits to those who cannot easily go outside.
In summary, forest bathing can be a safe and beneficial activity for people with Alzheimer’s when done thoughtfully, with attention to environmental conditions and individual needs. It offers a natural way to enhance well-being, reduce anxiety, and support cognitive health through gentle sensory engagement and connection to the outdoors.
