Local experts say music and art help dementia patients connect

Music, dance, poetry, and visual arts can help people with dementia maintain emotional connection and dignity, according to local health experts. While these creative outlets do not cure the condition, professionals say they support mood and provide a way for patients to engage with their surroundings and caregivers.

Amy O’Rourke, an aging expert, recommends that families begin by searching for resources in their own communities. She suggests looking specifically for programs labeled as dance and dementia, arts and dementia, or music and dementia. O’Rourke recalls her first job after college as an activity director, where residents participated in a bell choir. She noted that when the director pointed to a resident, the impact on the individual was immediately visible.

Cradduck, a gerontologist, explained that the arts often engage parts of the brain that may not yet be affected by the disease. She said these activities tap into long-term memories, similar to how smells can trigger recollections. Cradduck cited the work of Naomi Feil, known for the validation technique in dementia training. In one video she shared, a woman who had not spoken for years began tapping her arm and singing 'Jesus Loves You' in response to rhythmic engagement.

Dr. Rhea Rogers, a board-certified physician, noted that dementia changes how a person remembers but does not change how they tell their story. She stated that creativity and the arts utilize a different area of the brain, which is often not impacted by the disease. Rogers said patients find new ways to express themselves through these mediums.

Katherine Ambrose, an aging well coach, added that the benefits extend beyond simple memory recall. She described the arts as a creative outlet that allows for self-expression and provides a calming effect. Ambrose said these activities also benefit caregivers by offering a peaceful shared experience. She noted that while such activities can sometimes be agitating, they are often worth trying for their therapeutic value.

Cradduck emphasized that while dementia may take away certain abilities, it does not remove a person's capacity to feel. She said individuals can still feel beauty and rhythm. For families in Davidson County, the advice is to look locally for these programs and focus on the internal connection rather than specific outcomes.

The experts agreed that setting no expectations is a key part of the process. O’Rourke shared an example of a client who had never done art before but began producing pictures and watercolors after attending an art class. She said this demonstrates that anything is possible when a person with a memory impairment engages in creative work.