American Academy of Neurology reports that certain creative functions may actually interfered with by high cognitive functions. They report that the onset of dementia may release untapped creative ability in sufferers.
Studies of a elderly art teacher found that her art improved with the onset of dementia and, importantly, that the practice of art appeared to improve her quality life. This may be an important step forward in understanding the needs of some of our most vulnerable older people.
The challenge for our nursing homes is to provide some quality of life for their occupants. Art may become a new and valuable tool in their toolbox.
There are many jewels hidden amongst the leaves in this forgotten part of the ancient forest. Spend some time browsing and you are sure to find some. Click here or continue your search below
or read the most recent entries here.My dad had Alzheimers. many people with this can still communicate through drawing when other communicative functions have stopped or are disordered. Dad had been good at this through his life and had taken art lessons. It was encouraging to us to see him still being able to draw and communicate.
It too stopped and he withdrew into his own little world. Here, photos of his young grandchildren were able to sometimes draw him out, where questions had no effect.
A terrible disease which robbed me of the father I knew, a strong, sensitive intelligent and articulate man.
Shalom,
Jan
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