Affiliation:
1. Shirley Ryan AbilityLab, Chicago, IL
2. School of Allied Health and Communicative Disorders, Northern Illinois University, DeKalb, IL
Abstract
Purpose:
The arts (e.g., music and painting) have received considerable theoretical and observational support as a cognitive stimulation technique for persons living with dementia (PLWD). However, particularly for visual arts, limited empirical support exists. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to pilot a free-form arts program for PLWD in the context of a cognitive stimulation paradigm and measure subsequent engagement, communication, cognitive–linguistic function, and quality of life.
Method:
Three PLWD (one each in mild-to-moderate, moderate, and moderate-to-severe stages) were referred for study participation by a local long-term care facility. A single subject across subjects, ABA reversal design was used to assess intervention effects over a period of 8 weeks, in comparison to an active control condition (cooking activity). Cognitive–linguistic function and quality of life were assessed using standardized measures at baseline and follow-up. Engagement and communication were probed regularly across each study phase.
Results:
Significant changes were seen in participants' engagement and communication during painting sessions compared to the control activity. A nonsignificant positive trend was noted for self-rated quality of life from baseline to follow-up. Pre–post testing revealed nominal change in cognitive–linguistic functions.
Conclusions:
An arts program led to significant increases in constructive engagement and communication and a trend toward increased self-rated quality of life for the three PLWD. The fact that these changes were not sustained outside intervention sessions (i.e., pre–post testing) is consistent with the need for a larger paradigm shift in which rehabilitation specialists—including speech-language pathologists—better integrate creative, meaningful activities into the everyday lives of PLWD to maximize ongoing engagement, communication, and quality of life.
Publisher
American Speech Language Hearing Association
Subject
Speech and Hearing,Linguistics and Language,Developmental and Educational Psychology,Otorhinolaryngology
Cited by
7 articles.
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