The Power of Art: Effects on Dementia and Caregivers

📖 Literature Information and Abstract Translation

Systematic review of arts and culture-based interventions for people living with dementia and their caregivers

[Background/Objective] To investigate and summarize studies examining the impact of arts and cultural interventions on people with dementia and their caregivers, specifically regarding the well-being and cognitive abilities of the person with dementia and the burden on the caregiver.

[Methods] A systematic search was conducted using five electronic databases (PubMed, PsychINFO, Embase, CINAHL, Cochrane Library). Original research articles published in peer-reviewed journals, including both qualitative and quantitative studies, were included. The quality of the included studies was assessed using the Cochrane Collaboration's Risk of Bias tool. A narrative synthesis was performed for all included studies.

[Results] Out of 4,827 screened papers, 34 met the inclusion criteria. All 34 studies were categorized into five main intervention types.

Five RCTs showed improvements in well-being outcomes, but no cognitive improvements were seen, except for some subscales in music interventions. Most non-randomized studies reported improvements in cognitive function and well-being for both people with dementia and their caregivers. The study subjects were mainly people with mild to moderate dementia.

[Conclusion] Arts and cultural interventions may provide benefits to people with dementia and their caregivers. However, the heterogeneity in intervention methods and outcome measures hindered the generalization of results. Further research on arts and cultural interventions for people with dementia and their caregivers should utilize larger controlled trials, standardized outcome measures, and include people with moderate to severe dementia.

🌱 So What?: What did I find interesting?

First, I would like you to read the following passage (*This book is a gem. It is a must-read).

I notice that these art interventions (especially those involving creation) satisfy both of these. In other words, they might be interventions that powerfully support
realizing meaning in life. And the stronger one's sense of meaning or purpose in life, the lower the risk of dementia (📕Sutin, 2023 >>>
doi). I thought this might be the core mechanism by which art interventions activate cognitive function.

On the other hand, why do they improve caregiver well-being? In addition to the aforementioned 'realizing meaning in life,' I think there is also
relief from responsibility (a break). I feel this when I spend a holiday with my children; there is still 'fatigue' involved. Trying to understand someone you cannot fully understand, acting in a way that aligns with them, and the need to constantly monitor them to ensure safety is exhausting and drains mental energy. That is why, as reported in previously read literature, day services provide caregivers with a rest.

I believe art interventions have a similar effect.

Now, Frankl's initial words have a continuation.

How can one mentally face the disability of dementia while creating art, appreciating it, or discussing it?
If a new perspective can be found there, that person's life approaches something of value.
What invites one to that place is the splendor of the artwork, the realizations during the creative process, and the words from a third party.
As for my involvement as a physical therapist, it is the possibility of preparing that space and thinking through what constitutes the 'best words from a third party when confronting a disability.'.
First, let me expose myself to a bit more art; let's start there.

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