The therapeutic value of art for persons with Alzheimer's disease and related disorders

Journal/Book: Loss, Grief and Care. 1993; 6: 99-106.

Abstract: The therapeutic value of art for persons with Alzheimer's disease (AD) and related disorders includes (1) helping to preserve a sense of identity, (2) facilitating the venting of emotions accompanying the disease process, and (3) counteracting social isolation through sharing common concerns with peers. Art therapy can give the person with dementia an opportunity to express the emotions that accompany devastating losses and provide a vehicle for reminiscence. The artwork of persons with dementia may also function as a positive attempt to cope with an environment that has become incomprehensible and frightening and can be an important vehicle of communication. Therapeutically supported creative art expression offers persons with dementia a challenging and stimulating experience, while not demanding more than that of which they are capable.

Note: therapeutic value of art therapy; patients with Alzheimer's disease & dementia & related disorders

Keyword(s): Alzheimers disease; dementia ; art therapy

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