Advantages of Art Therapy for Patients with Dementia and Alzheimers
http://www.neuropsychiatrichospitals.net/advantages-of-art-therapy-for-patients-with-dementia-and-alzheimers/
Art therapy is a beneficial practice for those suffering from neuropsychiatric conditions, including mood disorders like depression, and degenerative diseases like Alzheimers and dementia. Through this experience, patients are able to create a piece that reconnects them with a memory and allows them to express themselves. Their artwork also serves as a powerful tool to reassure family members and caregivers that the essence of the individual is still there inside them.
How Art Therapy Benefits Patients With Dementia and Alzheimers Disease
Boosts self-esteem
Increases focus and attention span
Provides an outlet for emotions
Recalls memories
Activates neurons, improving brain function
Facilitates communication
Sadly, every 67 seconds, someone in the U.S. develops Alzheimers disease, and a new case of dementia is diagnosed every four seconds. An estimated 5.3 million Americans suffered from Alzheimers disease in 2015.
Dementia is a general term that describes a decline in mental ability that interferes with daily life. It is not a specific disease, but rather encompasses a range of symptoms associated with the deterioration of memory or thinking skills.
Alzheimers is the most common form of dementia, accounting for up to 80% of dementia cases. The greatest known risk factor for the disease is aging and most patients are 65 years of age or older. Symptoms become worse as a person grows older. In the early stages, memory loss is relatively mild, but late-stage Alzheimers causes sufferers to lose the ability to carry a conversation and respond appropriately to their environment. On average, those with the disease live around eight years after their symptoms become apparent to others, but some survive as long as 20 years.
Degenerative neuropsychiatric conditions like these are incurable and not yet possible to prevent. Fortunately, there exist treatments like art therapy, music therapy, and recreational therapy to help individuals continue to live meaningful lives despite their diagnosis.
Researchers across the globe are working to find better ways to treat the disease, delay onset, and prevent dementia and Alzheimers from developing.
If a loved one has been diagnosed with Alzheimers or a related form of dementia, know that you are not alone. Treatment centers and support groups exist to help you and your family through this difficult time.