a progressive brain disorder that gradually destroys brain cells and affects a person’s memory,...
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Benefits of Art Interventions for Individuals with Dementia
Remi Koffs5755 Prescott Ct
Bensalem, PA 19020(215)-313-2311
Dementia
A progressive brain disorder that gradually destroys brain cells and affects a person’s memory, ability to learn, make judgments, communicate, and carry out basic daily activities.
(Alzheimer’s Association)
Diagnostic Groups of Dementia
Alzheimer’s Type Vascular Dementia Lewy Body Dementia Frontal Lobe Dementia Substance-induced Dementia Picks Disease Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI) Delirium
(Best-Martini, Weeks, Wirth, 2011)
Early Signs of Dementia
Loss of short-term memory Language problems Mood Swings Personality changes Difficulty completing daily activities Impaired abstract thinking, insight, and
judgment The disease may further limit the person’s
functional ability causing Agnosia, Apraxia, and Aphasia.
(Merck Manual)
Intermediate Signs of Dementia
Inability to recall and learn new information Reduced memory May need assistance with ADLs Progressing personality changes Complete loss of sense of time and place Ambulatory Possible hallucinations, delusions, and paranoia
(Merck Manual)
Late (severe) Dementia
Inability to walk, feed self, swallow, or do any other ADLs
Incontinence Recent and remote memory is completely
lost Eventually mute
(Merck Manual)
Why Is Art Used As An Intervention?
Facilitates reparation and recovery Form of nonverbal communication of
thoughts and feelings Encourages personal growth
(Malchiodi, 2012)
Art and Brain Functioning: Image Formation
Art making is an experience that can simultaneously engage many parts of the brain› Cortical› Limbic› Midbrain› Brain Stem
“Bilateral Art Making”
(Malchiodi, 2012)
Art and Brain Functioning: Image Formation
Reframes how individuals feel Allows them to respond to an event or
experience Helps them work on emotional or behavioral
change Art making allows individuals to actively
try out, experiment with, or rehearse a desired change through a drawing, painting, or other type of craft
(Malchiodi, 2012)
Therapist Vija Lusebring believes that images are a bridge between body and mind
Our bodies respond to images as if they are reality
(Malchiodi, 2012)
Evidence Based Practice Interventions Supporting Self and Identity in
People with Dementia: A Systematic Review (Caddell & Clare, 2011)
› Group setting› Paints, pastels, pencils, clay› Priorities
To support independence and a homely atmosphere To focus on patients remaining strengths and abilities To improve self esteem To offer opportunities for socialization, expression, and
spasticity
Interventions Supporting Self and Identity in People with Dementia: A Systematic Review(Caddell & Clare, 2011)
› Results: Participants claimed that art
interventions as a form of RT felt more meaningful and valuable than other interventions since it allowed them to form a scenario that was free from expectations and constraints
Gave them an opportunity to
“hold onto themselves a little while longer”
Helped express the remaining strengths of the participants
Offered an opportunity for communication
Allowed them to cope with an environment that has become frightening
Allowed them to temporary consolidate themselves and gain a sense of control
Enhanced: Motivation, Confidence Ability to overcome isolation
Creative Opportunities for Patients’ Wellbeing(Holford, 2011)
Benefits› Feel happier and more positive about self and situation› Feel less isolated and more connected with other people and the
outside world› Gain a sense of purpose and meaning› Improve their self-confidence, empowerment, self-esteem, and
social inclusion› Gain a sense of choice and control over their lives and daily
activities› Improve their physical fitness, sensory awareness, and physical
dexterity
“Deep lasting effects, helping people not only adapt and respond to changes in their health, but even transform their attitudes to their conditions and their lives”
Recreation Therapy Program Ideas
Enhance Facility Environment (Mental Health Practice, 2011)
› Welcome sign, wall hanging from patchwork flowers, painted squares, origami
› Hang up well known art pieces Expressive Painting
› Explores deep memories
Tips for TR Practice
Keep project at adult level Build conversation into project Help individual begin activity Use safe material Allow for plenty of time
(Alzheimer’s Association)
Alzheimer’s Association: Memories in the Making
Resources
(2013, March 13) Example of arts activities helping seniors with alzheime. r’s and dementia remember [Weblog]. Retrieved from http://www.arttherapyblog.com/art-therapy-seniors/arts-activities-helps-elderly-with-alzheimers-and-dementia- remember/#.UWKFFJPqm30
Alzheimer's association. (n.d.). What is dementia? Retrieved fromhttp://www.alz.org/what-is-dementia.asp?gclid=CKDsxLXSurYCFeRxOgody3AA0g
Alzheimer's association. (n.d.). Memories in the making. Retrieved from http://www.alznorcalblog.org/2012/02/
Alzheimer's association. (n.d.). Music, art, and alzheimer's. Retrieved from http://www.alz.org/care/alzheimers-dementia-music-art-therapy.asp
Best-Martini, E., Weeks, M., Wirth, P. (2011) Long term care for activity professionals, social services professionals, and recreational therapists, sixth edition. Enumclaw, Washington: Idyll Arbor Inc. Caddell, L., & Clare, L. (2011). Interventions supporting self and identity in people with dementia: A systematic review. Aging & Mental Health, 15(7), 797-810. doi:10.1080/13607863.2011.575352
Auchus, A. (2007, August). The merck manual for health care professionals. Retrieved from http://www.merckmanuals.com/professional/neurologic_disorders/delirium_and_dementia/dementia.html?qt=dementia&alt=sh
Holford, A. (2011). Creative opportunities for patients' wellbeing. Primary Health Care, 21(6), 16-20. Malchiodi, C. (2012). Handbook of art therapy. (2nd ed.). New York, NY: A Division of Guilford Publications, Inc. Shorters, V. (2011). Creating a hospital-based arts project for older people. Mental Health Practice, 15(3), 24-26.