Symptoms like memory loss, fatigue, frequent mood changes, decline cognition and motor abilities are common in old age, especially when associated with dementia. For improvement and as a precaution to these symptoms multiple types of therapy are applied. One of these therapies is Art therapy, which may seem odd to many people at first but is effective. It helps control the symptoms as well as improve quality of life in elderly people (Couch et al., 2019).
Art Therapy
When we say art, the first thing that comes to most of us is drawing or colouring. And yes, that’s exactly what we include in art therapy but more. Activities like drawing, painting, colouring, sometimes even music are used to assist in expressing emotions or feelings that are not easy to be said out loud. It helps parents with dementia to express their emotions and works as a therapeutic tool by improving memory and cognitive abilities (Malchiodi, 2012).
Art Therapy for Dementia
- Breaks Barrier of Verbal communication: In old age and dementia verbal communication becomes difficult. But through art it becomes easy to express emotions and feelings.
- Enhancing Cognitive Abilities: Puzzles, memory games and other similar activities help in memory recall and building skills.
- Emotional Healing: It gives them an outlet for all the built up or stored emotions like, frustration or anger.
- Increase Social Interactions: Gives them an opening to talk and bond with others and caregivers.
- Improves Self-Esteem: It will bring them joy and a sense of achievement on completing a creative and artistic project (Camic et al., 2014).
Benefits of Art Therapy in Dementia Care
- Cognitive Benefits:
- Memory Stimulation: drawing or painting some particular familiar drawings or objects may bring back memories (Kinney and Rentz, 2005).
- Problem Solving: Making an art piece requires thinking, planning, deciding, and executing.
- Slowing Cognitive Decline: Doing activities regularly helps in decline of cognitive symptoms as these stimulate the brain and its activities (Sauer et al., 2016).
- Emotional Benefits
- Stress Relief: Artmaking is a meditative process which helps our mind and body to relax and reduces agitation.
- Expression of Emotions: Art helps dementia patients to process their emotions and feelings and gives them an outlet to express these.
- Improved Mood: Expressing their feelings while using these bright colours and creative ideas help improve mood (Couch et al., 2019).
- Social Benefits
- Building Connections: Taking these sessions in a group setting gives them a platform to communicate with each other, reducing isolation and making them feel belonged.
- Strengthening Bonds: Doing these projects with family or caregivers will help improve and deepen these relationships and help improve communication (Kinney and Rentz, 2005).
- Physical Benefits
- Improved Motor Skills: Skills like eye hand coordination, and other fine motor skills get improved with the help of activities like painting.
- Sensory Stimulation: When we work with different materials like clay multiple senses get engaged giving us an overall therapeutic experience (Malchiodi, 2012).
Activities
- Painting and Drawing
- Collage Making
- Sculpting with Clay
- Music and Rhythm
- Thematic Art Project
Implementing Art Therapy at Home and in Care Facilities
At Home
- To implement art therapy at home you will need some materials and supplies like paper, paints, crayons, clay, and brushes.
- It’s important to take care of the environment, they are in. so, make sure that the place is quiet, clean, comfortable, and free of distractions.
- Make sure to celebrate their victories of completing their art project. The efforts they put in matter the most.
In Care Facilities
- Regular Sessions: Include weekly art therapy led by trained professionals.
- Personalized Themes: Tailor activities to patients’ interests and life stories.
- Family Involvement: Invite families to participate, strengthening bonds through shared creativity.
Challenges in Art Therapy
- Engagement Levels: Some patients may initially resist participation; gentle encouragement can help.
- Physical Limitations: Adapt tools and techniques for patients with mobility issues.
- Consistency: Regular practice is important for full benefits but needs coordination between caregivers.
Conclusion
Art therapy gives an overall, important approach to helping dementia patients by tackling their cognitive, emotional, social, and physical needs. Patients can uncover memories, reduce stress, and improve relationships with loved ones by expressing themselves creatively. Art therapy, whether conducted at home or in professional care settings, may help both patients and caregivers enhance their quality of life and heal emotionally.
-Esha Gusain
References
- Camic, P. M., Tischler, V., & Pearman, C. H. (2014). Viewing and making art together: A multi-session art gallery-based intervention for people with dementia and their carers. Aging & Mental Health, 18(2), 161–168.
- Couch, E., Goode, D., & Swann, C. (2019). The therapeutic potential of art for people with dementia: A narrative review. The Journal of Dementia Care, 27(3), 22–25.
- Kinney, J. M., & Rentz, C. A. (2005). Observed well-being among individuals with dementia: Memories in the Making, an art program, versus other structured activity. American Journal of Alzheimer’s Disease and Other Dementias, 20(4), 220–227.
- Malchiodi, C. A. (2012). Art therapy and health care. Guilford Press.
- Sauer, P. E., Fopma-Loy, J., Kinney, J. M., & Lokon, E. (2016). “It makes me feel like myself”: Person-centered versus traditional visual arts activities for people with dementia. Dementia, 15(1), 69–85.