Art Therapy & Alzheimer's

 

In the early stages of Alzheimer's disease areas of the brain that are most commonl affected involve cognitive skills like planning, learning, and memory recall.

 

Art therapy engages areas of the brain that continue to function late into the stages of the disease: motor fuction, emotional control and affective expression, aesthetic preference, personality, and capacity for connection.

 

Art therapy offers ways to communicate non-verbally when verbal communications become difficult and/or frustrating. Words are not necessary in art therapy. Art is a language all it's own. 

 

Shared art making experiences, often in group settings, can connect individuals and can help form a sense of community, engage in stimulating activity and can decrease isolation.

 

Why art therapy?

 

Art therapy is accessible to all levels of functioning, in all stages of dementia and Alzheimer's.

 

Why an art therapist?

 

As an art therapist, I am trained with indepth knowledge of art materials, how and when to appropriately use them with various clients. 

 

Art therapists are aware and conscious about the affect different materials may have on an individual; i.e. bringing up emotionally-charged memories, potential past trauma, or simply strong, unexpected emotions.

 

Art therapists are practiced at working safelt with a client to ensure emotional safey and containment, as well as empowering clients to actively communicate, express thoughts, feelings, and needs without having to use words.