While certain noble pursuits are required for survival, art is what makes life worth living. The purpose of art is to act as a forum for societal transformation. As such, it is unsurprising that the benefits of art therapy approaches are being introduced into retirement communities. Read on to learn about the benefits of art therapy for Alzheimer’s disease.
Fun
Art therapy classes are a terrific way for older adults in memory care communities to escape from the monotonous life caused by their deteriorating health. Whether they are suffering from just memory loss or other chronic conditions, a change of atmosphere and the beauty of art may be beneficial. Opportunities to express oneself via playing musical instruments, painting, creating, pottery, or sketching can touch the heart and reawaken sensations that the brain has long forgotten. Art therapy helps older adults to enjoy the therapeutic advantages of art.
Enhances Mobility
Participating in art therapy, from the most basic to the most sophisticated, enhances mobility. Art practice activates the parietal lobe, which is in charge of fine motor functions. Older adults maintain their hand-brain relationship by exercising their hands, which enhances motor skills and coordination. Constant mobility, regardless of the scope of physical movement, preserves muscular function and improves physical strength.
Improves Mental Wellbeing
Depression, anxiety, and loneliness are common symptoms of dementia development. Older adults are more vulnerable to these mental issues when their present language abilities prevent them from expressing their emotions. They may also be plagued with paralyzing anxiety as a result of their degenerative sickness, or they may be depressed as a result of difficult changes. Art therapy is helpful in such cases. Patients are offered a more suitable way of expressing their negative feelings through an intuitive artistic display. Positive feelings can also be elicited by art.
Sense of Purpose and Achievement
Using their creativity can increase a sense of purpose and accomplishment in Alzheimer’s patients. Having something to focus their attention on develops independence and a feeling of purpose, whether they are given the freedom to mix paint or watercolors. Finally, a completed canvas might make them feel successful. It gives them a sense of accomplishment to know that they can create art that others can enjoy. Along with the cognitive benefits of art therapy, it helps older adults gain confidence and a sense of purpose.
Stimulates Brain
In art therapy, the powers of procedural or muscle memory are improved further. Art-based therapy provides interventions that may halt cognitive decline. This stems from the lateralization theory of the brain. Art assists the mind in finding new communication paths. This is how colors and melodies, for example, drive brain function in locations where semantic memories are no longer relevant.
Choose TerraBella Cramer Mountain
Our approach to memory care was designed and developed to harness the power of proven methodologies and reach a higher level of personalization, with the goal of bringing about pleasant experiences in all areas of our residents’ life. Every day at TerraBella Cramer Mounatiain includes healthy connections and purpose-driven experiences.
