Communication And Dementia: Painting A New Path Through Art Therapy
William Utermohlen, a professional artist, recorded his cognitive decline through self-portraiture . Incredibly brave and astute, his visual representation of the journey into Alzheimers Disease reveals an increasingly fragmented ability to organize the world outside, the darkening of life around him an increasingly frightening picture. For Utermohlen, expressing his sadness through his art was a way of staying connected with the outside world. Like Utermohlen, individuals who have dementia still have a great need to communicate with others .
Communication and expression, like eating and sleeping, are basic human needs. When a person loses the ability to process language and words become an impossible tool for communication, that person is at greater risk for becoming socially isolated or lonely. Social isolation often leads to depression, further comorbid medical problems, and deeper reliance on the healthcare system. Despite the loss of verbal communication, however, a person still retains the capacity to express thoughts and feelings. The visual nature of art allows individuals to bypass the exchange of words. Color, texture, line, shape, and form elicit a visceral response and can be responded to within the pictorial language.
Lila Watercolor 12×18 inches
References:
Grady, D. . Self-Portraits chronicle a descent into Alzheimers. New York Times. Retrieved from
Portland Senior Living Services
Portland offers its residents big-city amenities and small-town charm in a beautiful forest and mountain setting. Visit local breweries and cafes, spend time antique shopping, or head to one of the many local parks and state recreation areas.
Our residents frequently enjoy mornings shopping at Monticello Antique Marketplace, afternoons dining at The Observatory, or days exploring James Woodhill or Rocky Butte Park.
As a Leisure Care community, we are proud to offer signature services and amenities exclusive to Russellville Park residents. In our Portland independent living community, residents choose from an abundance of activities and programs, from fitness classes to writing courses and more. Our residents enjoy PrimeFit senior wellness, cognitive training classes, and everything they need to live life to the fullest.
Our restaurant-style dining room is open to the public and offers chef-prepared meals three times a day. Additionally, residents can grab a snack or drink at our bistro and bar, or for those nights when home is more comfortable, order in for room service. We have a private dining room to celebrate special occasions with family and friends.
Description Of The Intervention
Art therapy is defined by the British Association of Art Therapists as: a form of psychotherapy that uses art media as its primary mode of communication. Clients who are referred to an art therapist need not have experience or skill in art. The art therapist is not primarily concerned with making an aesthetic or diagnostic assessment of the clients image. The overall aim of its practitioners is to enable a client to change and grow on a personal level through the use of art materials in a safe and facilitating environment . Our review focuses on studies of art therapy and does not include studies of other arts therapies .
Historically, drawings and paintings have been recognised as a useful part of therapeutic processes within psychiatric and psychological specialties , and this has been acknowledged within medical and neurologybased scientific audiences , as well as through media coverage in wider societal contexts . In the UK, employment of art therapists by the National Health Service began in the 1940s, and art therapy is now statutorily regulated in the UK . It is a legal requirement in the UK that in order to practise professionally, art therapists must graduate from a recognised course and gain registration from the Health and Care Professions Council .
Read Also: What Are The First Stages Of Dementia
Benefits Of Art Therapy For Dementia Patients
While there is no cure for dementia or Alzheimers disease, there are therapies, such as art therapy, that can have a positive impact on the lives of patients. Not only are art projects fun, but they bring special benefits for Alzheimers and dementia patients. Studies from various programs around the country indicate that art therapy stimulates the brain, stirring memories and encouraging speech. Other benefits of art therapy for seniors with dementia include: A sense of accomplishment, An opportunity for nonverbal expression, Enhanced opportunities for communication, Social interaction, Behavioral improvements, Increased confidence
At Anthology of McCandless, residents have access to an art and music program designed to create memory recall through musical events, self-expression, activities and a personalized digital jukebox!
Professionals And Caregivers Can Get Trained In Art Therapy
Angel Duncan MA, MFT-ATR, is an art therapist and executive Art Director at Cognitive Dynamics who operates Cognitive Connections. The art therapy program is focused on training-the-trainer to develop interpersonal and artistic skills to reach out to seniors. To get started in art therapy it is a good idea to contact the Alzheimers association in your community to find out where art therapy programs are available. The Area Agencies on Aging may also be beneficial. Alzheimers and Dementia care-giver support groups, day-care programs, and colleges may also be able to recommend programs or have one of their own.
Related articles:
Read Also: How Do You Tell If Someone Has Dementia
Art Therapy And The Elderly
Seniors can benefit from art therapy in several ways.
- Seniors with Alzheimers, dementia, and other cognitive disorders may find that participating in art therapy allows them to express their feelings and communicate with others.
- Art therapy can also help reduce depression, anxiety, and stress for seniors who may be suffering from these conditions.
- Seniors who are socially isolated or going through a difficult time can also benefit from the social interaction with art therapy sessions.
- Art therapists often work with seniors dealing with chronic pain because they can help patients manage their pain by offering tools like deep breathing exercises and relaxation techniques.
Art Makes Fun Moments
For seniors under memory care facilities, art therapy sessions make a great escape from sometimes dull living triggered by their incapacities. Whether they are suffering from other chronic illnesses or memory deterioration alone, a change of environment and the beauty of art can provide therapeutic effects. Opportunities through pottery, crafting, painting, drawing, or even playing musical instruments touch the heart and trigger feelings that the brain had long forgotten. Art therapy allows seniors to indulge in the healing benefits of aesthetics.
Don’t Miss: What Stage Of Dementia Is My Mother In
Let Our Care Assessment Guide You
Our free tool provides options, advice, and next steps based on your unique situation.
This research in neuroplasticity is even more important when thinking about seniors with memory-related illness. Research shows how art therapy can give people with dementia access to memories that were seemingly lost before. Art therapy can give someone with dementia a way to communicate again by reigniting pathways to memories through a new medium: art.
Someone who has experienced a stroke or other brain injury may participate in art therapy with the goal of reconnecting neural pathways, said Andersen. Physically holding a paintbrush in the hands, mixing paint, and touching the canvas activates symbolic, emotional, and cognitive experiences. The individual can build on these experiences to promote communication skills and emotional expression.
Enhances Mood And General Well
Loneliness, anxiety, and depression often accompany the progression of dementia. When their existing language skills prohibit them from expressing their emotions, seniors become more prone to these behavioral and psychological symptoms. They may also dwell upon crippling anxieties of their degenerative disease or may feel depressed due to tough transitions. This is when art therapy is vital. Through an intuitive graphical presentation, patients are given a more conducive form of venting out their negative emotions. Art also sparks positive emotions. For seniors with no verbal abilities, art can make them smile, laugh, speak, or move. The slightest of reaction despite their impairments is therapeutic. In turn, it fosters well-being and improves the overall quality of life.
Read Also: How Early Can Alzheimer’s Begin
Dementia And The Creative Process
Art therapy is a growing field because of its many benefits for those with different forms of dementia. In fact, art therapy can actually help reduce the risk of developing mild cognitive impairment, which can lead to dementia. Above all, arts and crafts can create a bridge between residents and their loved ones, offering pathways for communication and reminiscence.
Contact us to learn more about art therapy techniques for dementia patients, or to find out what kind of activities we provide our residents.
Recent Posts
Art Therapy In Senior Living
Melissa Lee
It feels like art is almost a part of the human DNA. Art is an important part of every culture, across the entire history of humanity. There is nothing quite like feeling clay in your hands, passing a paintbrush over canvas, and bringing an image to life on paper. This essential human connection to art can even support health and well-being through art therapy a distinct form of psychotherapy. Tailored to older adults and their specific therapeutic needs, art therapy in senior living communities empowers seniors with expression.
Also Check: How Long Does Dementia Last
Premier Independent Living At Russellville Park
Energetic and inviting, Russellville Park provides independent living services to Portland, Oregon seniors. We offer our residents the amenities and services they need to maintain optimum comfort, health, and wellness, in an elegant and upscale setting. We also include assisted living and memory care services within our community, to allow our residents to stay in our community even as their needs change over time.
As Portlands premier independent living community, Russellville Park is a bright and exciting community with scenic mountain and woodland views. Whether you plan to take on some of the incredible hikes in the area, go dining and shopping in Portland, or simply want to rest at home, we are here to support you, so you can truly live your retirement to the fullest every day. The services we offer to older adults elevate Portlands senior living experience.
Description Of The Condition
Dementia is a progressive clinical syndrome characterised by widespread cognitive impairment. Dementia has a number of different causes and the term encompasses multiple degenerative brain disorders that affect memory, thinking, behaviour, emotion and performance in activities of daily living .The global prevalence of dementia in 2015 was estimated at 46.8 million, with numbers almost doubling every 20 years, and the estimated prevalence rising to 131.5 million by 2050 . Dementia continues to have a significant socioeconomic impact on health and social care systems .Alzheimers Disease International has advocated more commissioning and funding of research , including researching the efficacy of pharmacological and nonpharmacological interventions specifically for the early stages of dementia. There is a large body of ongoing research into pharmacological treatments but, traditionally, less has been directed towards nonpharmacological therapies . Interventions may be broadly categorised as those aimed at modifying disease processes, and targeting the causes and managing manifestations of the disease. Artsbased therapies are generally considered to fall within the last category, as they may help to slow cognitive deterioration, address symptoms related to psychosocially challenging behaviours and improve quality of life.
Also Check: Can Grief Cause Dementia Like Symptoms
Creates A Sense Of Achievement And Purpose
Utilizing their creativity can boost a sense of purpose and accomplishment amongst older adults with Alzheimers. Whether they are given the freedom to mix watercolors or paint, having something to draw their attention to promotes independence, mastery, and a sense of purpose. In the end, a finished canvas can make them feel accomplished. It gives them a sense of pride, knowing that they can contribute art that can be shared with others. Along with the cognitive benefits of art therapy, it develops confidence and enhances the sense of self amongst seniors.
Engages Individuals In A Myriad Of Activities
When it comes to art therapy and dementia, ill persons get a chance to engage in tons of activities that can help create pleasant experiences and memorable moments.
Nowadays, art activities go beyond drawing on blackboards of papers.
Participants can enjoy other fun activities, like:
- Using dough or clay for sculpting
- Paint by numbers
- Being part of community art projects and much more
These art activities help relieve stress, stimulate senses, and boost hand strength.
Art therapy has a way of making somebody with dementia laugh, smile, move, or speak which is great especially when it comes from non-verbal seniors.
They can also create a sense of accomplishment and purpose as many persons usually feel proud and fulfilled after finishing one of their creations.
Read Also: Why Does A Full Moon Affect Dementia Patients
What Are The Benefits Of Art Therapy In Senior Living
Recent studies suggest that art therapy and engaging in the arts offer myriad physical, emotional, and social benefits to people of all ages. According to the research review conducted by the World Health Organization on the evidence of the role of the arts in improving health and well-being, studies showed that participating in art activities can have the following benefits.
Use Of Art Making In Treating Older Patients With Dementia
Virtual Mentor.
Medicine and the visual arts stem from essential human activities: learning about and taking care of our fellow humans and communicating with them. The intent of this article is to elucidate and describe therapeutic applications of art making in the elderly population, particularly those affected by dementia.
A three-axis model provides a frame for organizing the interactions between medicine and the visual arts. Longitudinally, visual functioning is part of an individuals life from infancy through old age. We learn about the world through visual stimuli from early on and we continuously receive, process, and produce visual information . We can think of the visual arts as a subset of all visual functioning.
Cutting across the visual functioning axis at each life stage, visual art activities may be part of what people do for education, recreation, work, and self-expression and communication. Art activities can help develop cognitive abilities including visuospatial and attentional capacity, abstract thinking, and fine motor skills, all involved in the executing of an art project. We can then think of art activities along this second axis as contributing to the individuals development of cognitive reserve, brain plasticity, and resilience.
In the few years prior to her diagnosis she had been immersed in her work, creating a series of abstract landscapes .
Figure 1.
Figure 2.
Figure 3.
Figure 4.
Also Check: Can Someone Have Dementia And Alzheimer’s At The Same Time
Flashes Of Joy Amid Darkness
Those who suffer from dementia eventually develop difficulties recognising their loved ones, they experience behavioural changes, language and communication problems, serious memory disturbances and they become entirely dependent on assisted self-care.
The process of losing ones cognitive abilities and memories can be confusing and frightening. Art therapy produces feelings of joy amid this troubling time.
Even if the positive moments produced by art therapy are small and fleeting, they can have a lasting impact on the condition and the mood of dementia patients.
Art therapy originated as a sub-niche of psychotherapy in the 1940s. Its not new, high-tech, expensive or difficult to implement. The selection of the specific intervention depends on the needs of the patient and the choices that a qualified art therapy facilitator, who is usually a psychologist or psychotherapist, makes to tailor the treatment to the condition.
This kind of therapy provides an alternative channel of communication, especially when dementia patients experience diminished language abilities. It stabilises mood, alleviates the burden on caregivers and deepens the relationship between the patient and the therapist.
The simplicity of art therapy, as well as the ease of implementation and the positive results all justify the pursuit of art therapy for the slowdown of cognitive decline in dementia patients.
Art Activities For Dementia Patients
art therapy activities with benefits for dementia patients. Here are a few examples:
Painting. Painting allows dementia patients to use color to represent thoughts, feelings and memories. Some dementia patients feel more comfortable expressing themselves through nonverbal means, and painting is an excellent outlet.
Music. Music can help reduce heart rate, blood pressure and anxiety, as well as trigger the release of endorphins. Music also helps to activate the section of the brain responsible for memory retention, which means that music can help people trigger happy memories of past experiences. At Anthology of Stonebridge Ranch, residents can utilize the Elements Activity program, which connects residents with the activities, therapies and hobbies that mean the most to them.
Observing art. For dementia patients, observing familiar works of art can bring up memories, while experiencing new works of art can bring out emotions and create a feeling of connection. At Anthology of the Plaza, residents are supported by Virtue Memory Care Neighborhoods. With a focus on supporting the mind, body and spirit of dementia patients, the neighborhoods feature local artwork and images of landmarks to create nostalgia and feelings of home, while also strengthening community connections
You May Like: Is Irritability A Sign Of Dementia
Art Therapy Activities For Dementia Patients
August 28, 2018 by guestpost
Art therapy activities that are created to enhance the quality of life in dementia patients, nurture dignity and validate them in their current state. Through artistic and creative activities, we can help them honor their unique life stories, as well as to restore and preserve their sense of self. Studies show that when done in combination with reminiscence activities, art therapy shows dementia patients that their story is of value and interest to others. Most importantly, it also demonstrates to them that they are capable of adding beauty to the world for others to enjoy. In this article, we will cover the benefits of art therapy for dementia patients and mention some artistic activities anyone can try at home with their older adult that has dementia or similar cognitive issues.