Creativity can be very powerful, allowing individuals to express themselves on a more artistic level. For years, art has been used to help treat a wide range of patients, including those suffering from dementia. It has the ability to improve one’s quality of life while enhancing the creative mind.<\/p>\n
Are you currently caring for a loved one with dementia? If so, have you introduced any artistic activities into their daily routine? Although the benefits are broad, patients have been shown to improve on a mental, physical, and emotional level \u2014 all without adverse effects.<\/p>\n
Creative Expression May Be the Key to Communication<\/strong><\/p>\n For those who care for a loved on<\/a>e with dementia, you know that some days are better than others. Although your loved one may seem lost and confused, they are still in there \u2014 their memories are just ‘locked’ away. As you’re aware, one of the first challenges during the progression of dementia is effective communication.<\/p>\n What may seem frustrating and exhausting to you, can be absolutely frightening for those individuals directly affected by their diminishing condition. Since they are not able to properly communicate, their thoughts and fears are often not shared. Luckily, art therapy may open a gateway, allowing these individuals to express themselves.<\/p>\n One key study<\/a>, published in the Canadian Journal of Neurological Sciences<\/em>, focused on a sculptor known as Mary Hecht. Although she suffered from vascular dementia<\/a>, a form of dementia similar to Alzheimer’s (which results from reduced blood flow to the brain), she was able to draw detailed sketches from memory.<\/p>\n One of the study’s authors, a neurological consultant at St. Michael’s Hospital Memory Clinic, stated that, \u201cart opens the mind,\u201d and in this case, Mary showed that artistic abilities are, in fact, preserved. Despite the fact that Mary showcased a significant loss in day-to-day memory functions, art was her gateway.<\/p>\n It was not as if Mary was in the earliest stages either \u2014 she was severely impaired by her dementia. Bound to a wheelchair, she could not complete some of the most basic memory tasks, yet she successfully drew detailed, free-hand portraits. Similar results have also been seen among those with Alzheimer’s and frontal temporal dementia<\/a>.<\/p>\n How Does Art Help Dementia Patients?<\/strong><\/p>\n We have come a long way, but there are still many aspects of dementia in which we do not fully understand. At this time, doctors and researchers are not exactly sure why creative expression remains intact, but one thing is for certain \u2014 art therapy can be extremely beneficial and rewarding for patients.<\/p>\n As patients bypass language barriers, they are able to express themselves through their artwork. Just like music, art appears to influence a number of neural regions and when art therapy is introduced, it’s as if patients can reroute communication pathways. In turn, they are able to once again, interact with the world around them.<\/p>\n Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia can strip an individual of their identity and lust for life, but with art therapy, patients are able to achieve a unique sense of accomplishment \u2014 and that in itself, is extremely powerful. Of course, this therapy will not reverse the effects of one’s condition, but it can significantly improve quality of life.<\/p>\n As reported in one 2014 review<\/a>, a total of 112 articles were analyzed based on creative art therapies. What they found, was that this form of therapy was effective when aiming to improve both emotional and behavioral challenges, but not cognitive decline. In many ways, this not only improves the lives of dementia patients, but also their caregivers.<\/p>\n While meeting at the University of Wisconsin in 2006, some of the leading American researchers involved in the field of dementia and creativity spoke about the power of art, writing, and music. While focusing specifically on creative expression and all stages of dementia, it was reported that the following outcomes are possible:<\/p>\n The Capacity to Be Creative <\/strong><\/p>\n A patient’s ability to be creative may be either encouraged or hindered, depending on their environment. This has been of great importance to researchers, especially while focusing on individuals who are no longer able to live within their home. In order to foster creative behavior, a comfortable, stimulating environment will likely produce positive outcomes.<\/p>\n In terms of art therapy, a therapeutic, creative environment is needed. This form of therapy encourages patients to restore their sense of identity and self-worth, as they relax within a safe and supportive environment. If you would like to start an art project with your loved one, keep the following in mind:<\/p>\n Art is a grear outlet for dementia patients, but so is music. To read more about the incredible ways in which music also influences dementia patients, please feel free to read a related article \u2014 Does Music Enhance Memory and Brain Activity?<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n References<\/p>\n http:\/\/www.medicaldaily.com\/art-therapy-and-dementia-how-creativity-helps-unlock-alzheimers-patients-thoughts-and-fears-254301<\/p>\n http:\/\/www.alz.org\/care\/alzheimers-dementia-music-art-therapy.asp http:\/\/www.tandfonline.com\/doi\/abs\/10.1080\/01924788.2014.966547?journalCode=waaa20<\/p>\n \r\n\t\n
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