Abstract
ObjectivesThe present study explores the effect of visual art training on people with dementia, utilizing a randomized control trial design, in order to investigate the effects of an 8-week visual art training program on cognition. In particular, the study examines overall cognition, delayed recall, and working memory, which show deficits in people with dementia.MethodFifty-three individuals with dementia were randomly assigned into either an art training (n = 27) or usual-activity waitlist control group (n = 26). Overall cognition and delayed recall were assessed with the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA), and working memory was assessed with the Backward Digit Span task.ResultsThere were no group differences in overall cognition, or working memory, while a difference in delayed recall was undetermined, based on post-test—pre-test difference scores. Groups were comparable at baseline on all measures.ConclusionThe measures of cognition, delayed recall, and working memory used in this study were not affected by an 8-week visual art training program.Clinical Trial Registrationwww.ClinicalTrials.gov, identifier NCT03175822.
Highlights
Dementia is a clinical syndrome associated with over 60 conditions (Kahn-Denis, 1997), all of which are characterized by a progressive decline in memory and cognitive functioning that is severe enough to cause a loss of daily functioning (Stewart, 2004)
The present study explores the effect of visual art training on people with dementia, utilizing a randomized control trial design, in order to investigate the effects of an 8-week visual art training program on cognition
The measures of cognition, delayed recall, and working memory used in this study were not affected by an 8-week visual art training program
Summary
Dementia is a clinical syndrome associated with over 60 conditions (Kahn-Denis, 1997), all of which are characterized by a progressive decline in memory and cognitive functioning that is severe enough to cause a loss of daily functioning (Stewart, 2004). While the main treatment for dementia is currently pharmaceuticals, pharmaceutical treatments can be accompanied by non-trivial side effects (Hersch and Falzgraf, 2007). Due to these complications, as well as the support for non-pharmacological treatments in dementia care (Caulfield, 2011), it is increasingly suggested that pharmacological treatments for dementia be employed as a secondary or co-existing approach to non-pharmacological treatments (Douglas et al, 2004; Caulfield, 2011; Camartin, 2015; Sauer et al, 2016). This study examines one non-pharmacological intervention, art training, as a potential method for reducing the rate of cognitive decline associated with dementia. Individuals who develop varying forms and severities of dementia display a remarkable ability to produce and participate in arts activities
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