Its true, nature can stimulate cognitive functions, and we’re spreading the word.

Last month we led a training session for 8 MCST (that’s Maintaining Cognitive Stimulation Therapy) facilitators from Age UK Cornwall.  CST, or ‘Cognitive Stimulation Therapy’, is a pyschosocial treatment for people with mild to moderate dementia and provides peer support to people living with memory loss. Find out more.

The First part of the session involved exploring the impact of nature on our health and wellbeing. This included looking at various theories about how nature supports our health, including ART (Attention Restoration Theory) and how this supports Cognitive Stimulation Therapy, i.e. by immersing ourselves in natural/green environments this allows our cognitive abilities to re-energize and revitalise.

Participants then went on to learn about the four outcomes of a nature based activity session;

The four outcomes of a nature based session

The second session was creative and practical. Beginning with an indoor session of our Weaving Tales activity, demonstrating how you can;

• Bring nature indoors to people who may not have the mobility or physical stamina to spend much time outdoors
• Provide a practical and creative session for someone that won’t break the piggy bank

The final session was outside in the local park to get the participants experiencing the four outcomes of a nature-based session. They were given nature palettes to collect various items but also by putting them in this environment they developed their own activities and experiences such as  playing ‘Poo Sticks’. The group walked and talked together and when it came to returning indoors most didn’t want to go back!

If you want to find out more about how nature can stimulate cognitive functions or are interested in taking part in some free training please use the comments box below.