From rendering to remembering: Art therapy for people with Alzheimer's disease

Abstract

Throughout the last two decades, creative arts therapies have been increasingly used for support and therapeutic care in a variety of health care facilities. Personal growth through artistic activity is possible at every stage of life, even for those with dementia due to older age. Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a prevalent neurological condition without definitive cause and with limited effective treatments and interventions available. The brain regions and mechanisms involved in creating visual art are not irreparably compromised for those with Alzheimer's disease. Art therapy as a treatment for people with dementia can improve the quality of life through the benefits that come from using the visual arts to communicate inner experience and connect with others. Furthermore, creative activities stimulate several regions of the brain simultaneously, encouraging a healthy brain in older adults by promoting the brain's plastic processes. This article provides a review of the benefits of art therapy for people with AD based on the existing literature and encourages further research into the use of art therapy with this client group.