Effects of Visual Art Training on Dementia

Effects of Visual Art Training on Dementia

The purpose of the proposed study is to better understand what benefits visual art has on reducing problematic symptoms in dementia patients, including those with Alzheimer's disease.

Participants:

Participants will be residents, attendees and/or members of assisted living locations and/or dementia (or related) day programs. There will be two groups: an art training group and a waitlist control group.

Data Analysis:

1. For primary measures, t-tests on pre-post difference scores comparing art training and waitlist groups.
2. For possible confounding effects, tests for confounds related to background factors (socioeconomic status, education level, gender, activity participation).

Procedure:

A randomized controlled trial design will be utilized to assess two groups of dementia patients: an art training experimental group and a structured usual-activity waitlist control group. The experimental group will participate in a visual art training program and the waitlist control group will participate in their usual structured group activities. The waitlist control group will receive the art training program once post-testing is complete. Before, during, and/or after the art programs and/or control activities, participants will be observed and complete assessments.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Dementia

Exclusion Criteria:

• Inability to participate in the art training program due to physical or cognitive limitations