The impact of art therapy on the relationships between individuals diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease and their care partners

Abstract

AbstractBackgroundIndividuals with dementia have long reported negative social and psychological experiences. The current study employed a small group art therapy intervention; the intra‐ and inter‐personal impact was assessed through patient and care partner self‐report.MethodThirty patient / care partner dyads were enrolled. Patients had an Alzheimer’s disease diagnosis, MMSE score of 18‐26, and insight into their condition. For each 4‐week session, 3 to 4 dyads jointly participated in a 90‐minute, weekly art therapy intervention, facilitated by a Registered Art Therapist. A pre‐test post‐test design was employed, with patients completing the Dyadic Relationship Scale, Rosenberg Self‐Esteem Scale, and Stigma Impact Scale; care partners completed the Dyadic Relationship Scale and Dementia Attitudes Scale.1,2,3,4 During each study visit, subjects viewed and discussed artwork, created art, and were encouraged to share their artwork with the group.ResultAnalysis was performed using Wilcoxon signed rank test. Scores for both subscales of the Dyadic Relationship Scale – Positive Dyadic Interaction and Dyadic Strain – revealed a significant improvement (p = 0.002 and p = 0.001, respectively) after art therapy. A significant increase in care partner scores was also apparent on the Dementia Knowledge subscale of the Dementia Attitudes Scale. Patient data showed a significant shift towards better self‐esteem scores after intervention.ConclusionThis study fills a gap in research targeting intra‐ and inter‐personal experiences of individuals with dementia. Results indicate that art therapy may improve relationship dynamics between individuals with Alzheimer’s disease and their care partners, and may improve patients’ self‐esteem.