Art Therapy - The Cognitive Rejuvenation

Art therapy has been slowly gaining popularity over the recent years. Art therapy is a form of alternative therapy that utilizes artistic skills, such as drawing and painting, to stimulate positive interactions and improve cognitive function.

Art therapy, especially creative art therapy, is useful for patients who are nonverbal or very young. When patients are young children, they are often unable to articulate their feelings and experiences. Art therapy helps in providing a creative outlet that will help them convey their thoughts and feelings.

Art therapy has also been beneficial for patients with dementia. Dementia encompasses neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s and Huntington’s that impact over 50 million people globally. Dementia is caused when brain cells are damaged and are unable to transmit signals to one another using chemical and mechanical signals. Dementia can impair cognitive function by causing memory loss, a shortened attention span, and problems with communicating. Evidence shows art therapy, in conjunction with medication, is helpful in reducing these symptoms of dementia and providing a nonverbal form of treatment.

Many patients diagnosed with dementia are prone to having memory and attention problems. Long term and short term memory loss are one of the main symptoms and effects of dementia due to the damage to the brain. Memory is affected the earliest and the extent of the issues are dependent on the brain’s structure and function. Short term memory loss may include forgetting the date or the name of an object while long term memory loss may include forgetting family members or issues with verbal expression8 Attention span is also greatly affected by dementia, especially early onset and atypical syndromes. Loss in attention span results in difficulty focusing and easily being distracted.

Art therapy is a form of therapy that involves creative methods to enhance memory and attention as well as express one’s ideas and feelings. Art therapy can involve drawing and painting exercises, which is especially helpful for nonverbal patients. Art therapy can be used as an umbrella term that includes music therapy, a type of therapy that involves singing, composing, playing instruments, and listening to music. Art therapy helps in boosting mood and promotes cognitive function. Art therapy targets cognitive, motor, emotional and interpersonal skills. Art therapy can relieve stress and anxiety as well as improve memory and attention span which is helpful for patients with dementia