People living with dementia often have difficulty in communicating their thoughts and feelings. This can present challenges for caregivers who seek to understand their needs and desires and who work tirelessly to help their loved ones create a life of enjoyment and purpose.
One form of therapy that is gaining popularity is art therapy – using music, painting, photography, and crafts as a way to boost memory and as an outlet for those with communication challenges to express themselves.
Music is a particularly powerful medium. Even those without the challenges of dementia have experienced music’s ability to transport us back to a specific place and time. Studies have shown that music engages broad neural networks in the brain, including areas responsible for emotions and creativity.
A study at the Boston University School of Medicine discovered that people living with Alzheimer’s were better able to remember new information when it was provided in the context of a song. Interestingly, the study was also conducted on healthy older adults and, for them, there was no such benefit. Researchers at the University of Helsinki showed that singing helped enhance both cognitive skills and emotional well-being for those in the early stages of dementia. Listening to music was found to have cognitive benefits for those with more advanced dementia.
Painting is becoming a very popular form of art therapy and was highlighted in the documentary film “I Remember Better When I Paint,” which depicts numerous instances of people living with dementia who have transformative experiences when they pick up a paint brush.
It has long been known that for people of every age, the act of creating is life enhancing and nourishing to the human spirit. For older adults, research demonstrates that participating in artistic expression provides many benefits.
Self-Expression / Emotional Well-being
Creating something new allows people to announce “This is who I am. This is what I have to say.” Expressive art can provide vivid access to memories, and is a useful starting point for reminiscence and life review. The act of creating allows us another way to share our lives and receive validation for who we are.
Communication
People who have difficulty expressing themselves verbally are often able to communicate through visual means. For people living with dementia, autism or other conditions that create barriers to verbal communication, visual art can provide an alternative.
Intellectual Stimulation
The act of creating is a great way to exercise the brain. Deciding what media to use, what to draw or paint, and where to put the first line all provide mental exercise. An art project can represent a stimulating challenge to be met, increasing orientation and awareness.
Socialization
Visiting a museum or going to the theater allows people to have a shared experience and may induce them to share their feelings and emotions with others.
At AMR Care Group, we understand the importance of the arts in helping all people lead richer, fuller lives. Our new program, Cultured Companions, located in New York City, makes the arts accessible for those living with dementia or a developmental disability by providing a skilled companion from the entertainment world. Once we discover your interests, we’ll match you with the perfect companion, who will take care of all the event details.
