The impact of community-based arts and health interventions on cognition in people with dementia: a systematic literature review

Abstract

Resumen. El presente artículo expone el programa "Retales de una vida" del Proyecto AR.S (Arte y Salud Alzhéimer), proyecto que se viene desarrollando desde el 2011 hasta el 2015. Este proyecto utiliza el archivo y el diario digital y analógico como herramientas para dialogar y trabajar los recuerdos aún latentes en personas con Alzhéimer y otras Demencias, a partir del análisis y pensamiento en imágenes. Los talleres han sido implementados en el Centro de Referencia Estatal para personas con Alzheimer y otras demencias (CRE) de Salamanca, durante los periodos comprendidos entre el 2010-2011 y el 2014-2015 y en la Asociación de Alzheimer de Madrid durante el 2012-2013. Actualmente cuenta con un fichero compuesto por cuarenta y cinco talleres, cuya temática gira entorno a temas y actividades de la vida cotidiana (AVDS), representados por la obra de artistas de diferentes épocas y estilos. Así como por un diario de imágenes, producto de un registro fotográfico del proceso del taller y de las obras de los propios participantes, que nos permite mantener activa la memoria de los usuarios durante y posteriormente a las sesiones del programa de educación artística implementado. Palabras clave: Memoria; archivo; Alzhéimer; demencia; educación artística.[en] Remnants of a life program in AR.S Alzheimer Project: Tools for dialogue and stimulate memories through art Abstract. This article presents the "Remnants of a life" of AR.S Project (Health Art and Alzheimer), a project that has been developed from 2011 to 2015. This project uses the program file and the analog and digital diary as tools for dialogue and work the latent memories in people with Alzheimer's and other dementias, from analysis and thought in images. The workshops have been implemented in the State Reference Center for people with Alzheimer's and other dementias (CRE) of Salamanca during the periods 2010-2011 and 2014-2015 and the Alzheimer's Association of Madrid during the 2012-2013. Currently, this Center has a file that is composed of forty-five workshops whose theme revolves around matters and activities of daily life (ADLs), represented by the work of artists from different periods and styles, as well as a diary of images, the product of a photographic record of the workshop process and the artistic productions of the participants, allowing us to keep the memory of users during and after the meetings implemented in the art education program.

The impact of a visual arts program on quality of life, communication, and well-being of people living with dementia: a mixed-methods longitudinal investigation

“…In others, the content and delivery of the intervention is insufficiently described (Mental Health Foundation, 2011;de Medeiros and Basting, 2013). Others appear to be opportunist samples in very specific contexts, which are useful for early, exploratory qualitative investigation, and reflection, but have limited generalizability (Young et al, 2015). Consequently, despite the existence of considerable practice innovations, the research examining effectiveness and impact has been limited, reducing the potential for evidence-based practice and service improvement.…”

“…In some instances, research designs are poorly described, lacking detail of data collection, and analysis (Young et al, 2015). In others, the content and delivery of the intervention is insufficiently described (Mental Health Foundation, 2011;de Medeiros and Basting, 2013).…”

“…Research reviews suggest that art interventions have the potential to improve a broad range of outcomes for people living with dementia, including well-being, QoL, cognitive function, and communication (Mental Health Foundation, 2011;Salisbury et al, 2011;de Medeiros and Basting, 2013;Zeilig et al, 2014;Young et al, 2015). Arts-based activities include dance, music, creative writing, visual art, and singing.…”

Artistic creativity and dementia. A study of assessment by experts

“…The results showed that the people showed more interest, sustained attention, pleasure, self esteem, and normalcy during their participation in the art program, with no differences in negative affect or sadness between the two types of activities. A recent review (Young, Camic, & Tischler, 2015) of the impact of community-based art and health interventions concluded that, despite certain methodological limitations, the studies suggest that art-based activities have a positive impact on cognitive processes, particularly on attention, memory stimulation, improvement of communication, and engagement in creative activities. Participation in a program of looking at art in a public gallery followed by a session of art-making can affect cognition, improving episodic memory, mood, and self-confidence and reducing isolation, as assessed by family caregivers (Eekelaar, Camic, & Springham, 2012).…”

Art museums as a source of well-being for people with dementia: an experience in the Prado Museum

“…A recent review (Young, Camic, & Tischler, 2016) of the impact of communitybased art and health interventions concluded that, despite certain methodological limitations, the studies suggest that art-based activities had a positive impact on cognitive processes, particularly on attention, memory stimulation, and improvement of communication. Participation in a programme of viewing art in a public gallery followed by a session of art-making can affect cognition, improving episodic memory, mood, and self-confidence and reduce isolation, as assessed by family caregivers (Eekelaar, Camic, & Springham, 2012).…”