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Patients With Dementia May Benefit From Tourism According To A New Study

A recent study from Edith Cowan University (ECU), a multidisciplinary research team, found that tourism may have a favorable impact on those with dementia and those who do not. Positive psychology was used to examine the possible health advantages of tourism, particularly in terms of mental well-being, in the new research.  People with dementia may gain from travel, according to ECU scientists from the Centre for Precision Health and the School of Business and Law.

It was mentioned by Dr. Jun Wen, the study’s main author, that medical specialists may prescribe dementia therapies such as music therapy, cognitive stimulation, and sensory stimulation as well as changes in meals and surroundings for patients with dementia. When on vacation, you’re more likely to come across all of these. For the first time, research has looked at the possible medical benefits of vacationing for dementia patients.

This conceptual effort critically reviews the tourism and dementia literature and addresses pertinent knowledge gaps. Tourism is presented as a possible way to improve dementia patients’ well-being as an adjunct to non-pharmacological interventions.

Improved mental health

Traveling offers the required cognitive and sensory engagement to possibly enhance mental health since it entails seeing new places, trying new things, and changing one’s daily routine. Because of this, it’s recommended that people with dementia do a lot of physical exercise when on vacation to keep them healthy.

In addition, when you travel, you spend most of your time outdoors, in the sun, which promotes the creation of serotonin and improves the absorption of vitamin D, both of which are proven to enhance your mood.

Traveling may be an effective approach to improving mental health and overall well-being since it contains many of the same activities that are suggested as treatments for dementia, according to the research. Dr. Wen went on to say that individuals with dementia may thrive through tourism because of the many components that make up a comprehensive travel experience.

Mary J. Payne
Mary has over 10 years of experience as a journalist. She loves to travel and write about her experiences, but she also covers topics such as education, career advice and finances.