Art program helps those with dementia
The US Alzheimer’s (on line) Weekly has reported on Stacy Fuller, the head of education, Amon Carter Museum’s in Fort Worth Texas, who has developed the Sharing the Past Through Art program, to help people who have Alzheimer’s disease connect with the artwork and ultimately their community.
“These are people who often don’t communicate much at all, but when they come here, there’s something about the experience that encourages them to share,” she said. “Some truly open up when they come to this space.”
The museum’s program is one of a handful around the country that makes art accessible to people with Alzheimer’s disease. Two years ago, the Museum of Modern Art in New York launched one of the first such projects in the country. It and others have revealed that despite short-term memory problems, people with Alzheimer’s can do more than expected.
There are memories inside the person that are trying to find a way out, said Dr Janice Knebl, who holds the Dallas Southwest Osteopathic Physician Endowed Chair for Clinical Geriatrics at the University of North Texas Health Science Center.
“It’s really all about the moment and bringing out of the person what still may be there,” she said. “This program looks for those opportunities.”
On the second Thursday of each month, Ms Fuller introduces the mostly white-haired group to a small sampling of art.
By limiting the number of paintings participants view, she is able to engage them in a lively conversation.
“They’re not afraid to say anything,” she said. “I think the program gives them a comfort level so they can express themselves.”
Participants enjoy the stimulating environment and being asked questions, said Theresa Hocker, executive director of the Alzheimer’s Association, North Central Texas chapter.
“It makes them feel important,” she said.
Seeing the art also gives them the chance to reminisce, said Gail Phills, a caseworker with the Alzheimer’s Association.
“A lot of them have lost their short-term memory, but they still are able to recall things that happened 30 years ago,” she said.
