[P1–617]: THE EFFECTS OF HORTICULTURAL THERAPY ON THE PSYCHONEUROIMMUNOLOGICAL MARKERS OF ELDERLY IN SINGAPORE: SECOND WAVE FINDINGS FROM THE RANDOMIZED CONTROLLED TRIAL

• DOI: 10.1016/j.jalz.2017.06.633
• Publication Date: 2017-10-20T08:01:26Z
• Authors: Kheng Siang Ted Ng; Crystal Tze Ying Tan; Hui Yu Chan; Angelia Sia; Maxel Kian‐Wee Ng; Chay Hoon Tan; Lei Feng; Rathi Mahendran; Ee Heok Kua; Anis Larbi; Roger Chun‐Man Ho

There is currently a paucity of research examining biomarkers in Horticultural Therapy (HT) studies. We proposed this pilot randomized controlled trial (RCT) Singapore to investigate the effects HT on elderly. hypothesized that could improve levels psychoneuroimmunological markers participants. Per inclusion and exclusion criteria, 69 community-dwelling elderly were recruited from TaRA@JP. Participants into either active treatment or waitlist control arms. programmes conducted weekly for first three months monthly subsequent months. To assess participants, fasting blood withdrawn by nurses at time-points: baseline, three-month six-month after interventions. Using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), nine plasma measured. The measurements 3 additional biomarkers, ACTH, oxytocin IGF-1, are on-going may be included presentations. In arm, there was significant increase (p=0.045) Stromal Cell-Derived Factor 1-alpha (SDF-1α) third sixth month post-interventions. contrast, arm experienced decrease SDF-1α baseline 3rd (p=0.002). Across time-points, no changes RANTES arm. Notably, 6th month, observed (p=0.028). Furthermore, BDNF showed differences across all time-points. However, decreased significantly third- sixth-month time-points (p=0.001). had effect increasing maintaining levels. Similar previously reported IL-6, these also time-point. This indicate cumulative participation HT. Our results HT, form communal gardening, promising reducing risks developing psychiatric conditions, acute infection cancers modulating biomarkers. With positive findings, government planning develop therapeutic gardens phases nation extend its benefits.