The innate power of art in all forms lies in its ability to meld the heart and mind of the artist with that of the observer, to call to consciousness in one human being the depth of emotion, experience, spirituality and intellect behind the creation of the artistic work. I believe art, in all its forms, to be the purest medium of human connection, the one which most truly promotes holistic communion between individuals. Artistic expression thus helps to bypass roadblocks to communication and community laid by dementia and other causes of cognitive impairment. In addition, art can fulfill the human need to create and be productive. It can even make a person “known” to others who find interaction challenging.
In this way, the arts help to strengthen the relational identity of persons with Alzheimer’s disease, at a time when their occupational and societal identities may be suffering. Benefits of various forms of expressive arts therapy (visual art, music, drama, and bibliotherapy) include improvements in behavior, communication, sense of well-being, cognition, and social skills. Expressive arts therapies can facilitate the telling of life stories that no longer can be conventionally told.
When such therapies are utilized as an essential element of person-centered care (care that validates the person despite the illness rather than focusing on the disease itself) dignity and perceived self-worth are promoted and positive family and care giver interactions are facilitated. In short, healing is fostered for all.
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