As you probably know already, Alzheimer’s disease causes serious memory problems and brain dysfunctionalities that can affect one’s lifestyle and wellbeing. Fortunately, the benefits of art therapy for seniors seem to slow down the progression of Alzheimer’s disease and minimize its symptoms.
If you are not yet aware of art therapy and its advantages then continue reading. You’ll discover the benefits of drawing, painting, and other art forms for people in their golden years and how these activities can help your loved ones cope better with a neurodegenerative disease such as Alzheimer’s.
Reduces Stress and Stimulates the Brain
Different types of art expression can stimulate the brain. For example, painting and drawing provide visual stimulation while writing can provide mental stimulation for the brain. By putting the brain to work through various forms of art therapies, your loved ones are actively reducing the effects and symptoms of neurodegenerative diseases. On top of that, art therapy involves activities that reduce stress and eliminate boredom, so it’s another benefit for your family members.
Promotes a Sense of Accomplishment
Achieving goals and completing tasks, even minor ones, automatically generates a spike in confidence and self-esteem. This is true not only for people in their golden years, but also everyone else. Fortunately, this can be put to great use in retirement communities for people diagnosed with neurodegenerative diseases. Drawing something, finishing a painting or playing a song from start to finish creates a wonderful feeling of accomplishment. Doing this every day can significantly reduce symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease. On top of that, it also helps your loved ones create a portfolio of artistic works that can be displayed to family members and/or friends.
Encourages Communication
You might be happy to find out that art therapies done in retirement communities are accomplished in groups of people. This provides a great opportunity for social interaction and communication. As a result, your loved ones get to create something beautiful while talking with other people in the community. These social gatherings reduce negative feelings usually associated with loneliness such as anxiety and depression and promote a general sense of belonging and wellbeing.
Improves Hand Coordination and Might Alleviate Pain
People with neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s also struggle with arthritis. This causes frequent joint pain and reduced mobility. Fortunately, different types of art activities can improve hand coordination and blood circulations in the extremities. In some cases, art therapy might also alleviate pain in people in their golden years. Drawing, painting, writing or other types of artistic activities work the small muscles in hands and contribute to a reduction in arthritis symptoms over the years.
The Alzheimeir’s disease is never easy to deal with, but luckily, multiple types of therapies and activities seem to slow down its progress and stimulate the brain to produce more connections between neurons. Art therapy might be the solution for your family members diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease. Contact one of our team members today to find out how we can help your loved ones feel better and happiers.
