IT ALL BEGAN …..

The Museum of Modern Art in New York City (MOMA), developed a drop in

program for persons with cognitive impairment.

The program provided those with cognitive impairment the opportunity to

engage in discussions about the art pieces that are displayed in the museum.

Guided tours with directed questions were used to encourage the response

from those who may or who cannot respond to general conversations.

These tours gave those with cognitive impairment the opportunity to express

themselves when viewing the paintings that were included in the tour.

The Virginia Museum of Fine Art in Richmond was approached by the

Alzheimer’s Association, Greater Richmond Chapter to possibly develop a

program that paralleled the program at MOMA.

ART Links was and is the program that still offers the opportunity for art

engagement at the VMFA.

IT ALL BEGAN …..

• In California, a program was developed to give those with cognitive

disabilities an opportunity to participate in creation of art. This

program was adapted by the Alzheimer’s Association Chapter in

Orange County California, and is known as Memories in the Making.

• The Alzheimer’s Association, Greater Richmond Chapter has adapted

this program for those in the Chapter Area who have cognitive

impairment and provides this through the day centers in Gloucester

and Warsaw as well as in the early stage and young on-set support

groups.

• This Greater Richmond Chapter also offers training once a year for

activity professionals and families on how to engage in these

experiences.

“Creative expression is important for everyone, but it is even more important for those with dementia diseases for whom other avenues of self-expression can be severely limited.”

Ann Basting and John Killick

The Art of Dementia Care

A Resource Guide

“ The human spirit does not

disappear…..we stay connected to the

person we are for longer than is

realized.”

Dr. Bruce Miller

ALL HUMANS NEED TO:

Feel loved

Feel safe

Have a sense of purpose

Be free

Abraham Maslow, et all, 1943

“SOCIAL INVOLVEMENT……

of those diagnosed with dementia diseases is

important in possibly slowing the progress of

the disease in the early stages.”

“Determining Preferences and Feasibility for Institution Brain Health

Lifestyle, program for older adults in continuing care retirement

communities.

Alzheimer’s & Dementia, Volume 3, Issue 3, Supp 2, July, 2007

Four major symptoms of dementia diseases are:

•MEMORY LOSS

•LANGUAGE DIFFICULTIES

•JUDGEMENT

•DISORIENTATION

“WHEN THE BRAIN IS AFFECTED BY A DISEASE,

such as Alzheimer’s or a malfunction such as

a blockage to the brain supply or by an injury,

we begin to experience life differently and

may in time act differently.”

Hearing the Person with Dementia

Bernie McCarthy

LEFT BRAIN VS RIGHT BRAIN

The left side of the brain is where our language

skills are contained.

Right side – music, art, creative side

Rhythm, pitch, and melody are all processed

by a different and distinct part of the brain

THE PERSON WITH DEMENTIA

MAY:

• Understand more than you think

AND may respond if given time. (It may take up to 90 seconds for the person to respond.)

• Can do more than we allow them to do.

• Respond positively to routines and schedules that mimic

her life long routine and schedules.

“Because art activities do not have a “right” or a “wrong” answer, they can help solidify bonds between caregivers and people with dementia by giving them a space in which they can play together. Together they can experience the joy of creating something new and of communicating on an emotional level.”

Johanna Misey Boyer, AuthorCreativity Matters

WHY USE ART MEDIUMS AND CREATIVE EXPRESSION

WITH THOSE WITH COGNITIVE IMPAIRMENT?

• Provides a voice to be heard and respected.

• The forms created are secondary to the process of creating.

• Motor skills enhanced

• Sparks memories and feelings

• Provides a way to tell “their story”

• Decreases isolation and depression

OPPORTUNITIES FOR CREATIVITY MAY……

• Provide a sense of freedom of expression

• Increase self esteem

• Provide a sense of connection to the community in which the person lives

• Decrease behavioral challenges

• Allow a safe place for expression, builds confidence and emotional well-being

• Decrease medications and boost immune system

Art is not limited to one cerebral

channel.

“If you look at a newspaper or a photo album,

those pictures can instantly transport you to

another time and place in life. The process of

creating images from one’s own unconscious is

even more powerful than looking at the painting

of another. Both can evoke response but the

process of creating the image is more to evoke

personal memories.”

Nancy Gerber, PhD, Director of graduate art therapy education at Drexel

University,. Philadelphia. PA. “The Art of Therapy,” Neurology Now, Nov-

Dec, 2006

The memory belongs to

the person who created

it.

Consider it an honor to

have this memory

shared with you.

•a work of art can tell a story.

•express an emotion, recreate a memory and serve as a

vehicle of expression.

Art allows for validation of feelings and a way to

communicate with each other.

WHEN WORDS FAIL,

“….While the arts are not a cure, they can

dramatically improve the quality of life that

remains and the quality of care giving

relationships.”

Ann Davis Basting

The Arts and Dementia, A Resource Guide

A sense of meaning and

purpose can improve

quality of life and mood

and behavior.

We all need meaning and

purpose in our lives.

Alzheimer’s Association, Greater Richmond

Chapter

4600 Cox Road Ste 130

Glen Allen, VA 23060

Phone 804-967-2580

Fax 804-967-2588

Toll Free 800-272-3900

www.alz.org