Art Therapy and Dementia: Unlocking Creativity to Improve Memory

Living with dementia — or having a loved one who does — can feel very lonely, confusing, and even a bit scary. Memories slip away, emotions swirl, and day-to-day life can become more challenging. While there’s sadly still no cure for it, one path that’s showing some real promise is art therapy dementia programs. By using art and creativity, people living with dementia can find moments of joy, love, and reconnection.

Learn more about what art therapy for dementia is, what the research says, and how to use creative expression tools in everyday life.

What Is Art Therapy for Dementia?

Essentially, art therapy is when people use creative means — be it drawing, painting, sculpting, or even collaging — to express their feelings, thoughts, and memories. For someone with dementia, it isn’t about how “good” the art looks. Rather, what matters is what happens in their brain and how they feel when they make it.

Some specific forms of art therapy include:

• Dementia painting therapy, where painting is used regularly
• Alzheimer’s art programs, which involve organized art sessions for people with Alzheimer’s
• Simple art activities seniors can do at home or in a care setting

What the Research Says About Art Therapy

Researchers continually study whether art helps people with memory loss. Here are some of their findings:

• A systematic review of 17 studies involving 853 people, including those with dementia, as well as their caregivers and volunteers, found that creative expression interventions for dementia often improved well-being, quality of life, and reduced behavioral and psychological symptoms of dementia.
• Another study examined 78 people with dementia and their caregivers. They were randomly divided into two groups: the art-and-storytelling group and the control group, which received regular social visits. After 12 weeks, researchers found that patients in the art-and-storytelling group had fewer behavioral and psychological symptoms, such as depression or agitation. They also had better communication and a higher quality of life. Their caregivers reported less stress and burden.
• A recent network meta-analysis, involving 39 randomized controlled trials and 2,806 participants, found that art therapies helped reduce agitation while improving cognitive function and enhancing quality of life.
• Simple painting activities have also shown benefits, helping seniors express their emotions, reduce anxiety, lift their mood, and feel more independent.

So, while art therapy dementia programs aren’t a cure, they do seem to make life better in many ways.

How Art Helps Memory and Emotions

Art can help tap into one’s brain and heart. Even if a person’s memory is slipping, the creative part of their brain can stay intact for longer. This is why getting involved in art activities can still bring joy. Here are some ways that art helps with memory and emotions.

1. Speaking Without Words

Typically, dementia affects language first. Words become harder to find, and most find it hard to articulate their thoughts. However, art can give them another way to “speak”. For example, a man who’s no longer able to verbally tell his daughter how much he loves her might paint using her favorite colors. Using texture, color, and shapes also allows a loved one with dementia to express their emotions and thoughts without needing to speak. This kind of nonverbal expression can be very freeing for them.

2. Reducing Stress and Anxiety

Most people with dementia often feel anxious, restless, or even frustrated throughout the day. One effective way to reduce stress and anxiety is through the therapeutic practice of art. It gives them a creative outlet — something that can occupy their minds. Coloring shapes and repetitive brush stroke motions are highly meditative, bringing them a sense of calm and comfort.

3. Building Confidence and Identity

Dementia can affect one’s confidence and sense of self. How does art help? Completing a drawing, painting, or any art project can give them a sense of accomplishment and restore their confidence in themselves. It’s proof that they can still create something.

4. Bring Back Old Memories

Art might trigger and bring back some old memories. For example, a woman painting flowers might suddenly remember how much she loved to garden. Creating a collage with magazine photos can evoke memories of childhood trips. Even if their memories don’t last, that moment of recognition can be powerful. Stimulating their memory recall is one way to keep their brain active.

5. Improve Social Connections

Art doesn’t have to be a solo activity. Doing art activities with family, friends, or other residents in a memory care community can help your loved one stay connected and reduce feelings of isolation. Even people who don’t talk much might suddenly connect with others through their artworks.

For loved ones living with dementia, art can be a valuable tool for connecting with the world around them and preserving their cognitive functions.

Tips for Making Art Safe, Fun, and Meaningful

Starting art therapy doesn’t have to be complicated. Neither you nor your loved one needs to be a pro, and you don’t need expensive art supplies either. Here are a few ways to make creating something amazing easier and more enjoyable:

• Keep it simple: Skip the tiny brushes, more advanced art supplies, and complicated projects unless absolutely necessary. Instead, opt for big paper canvases, large brushes, and chunky crayons. This makes it easier for your loved one to handle their art supplies.
• Use safe supplies: If you’re concerned about their safety, opt for safe supplies such as water-based markers and non-toxic paints. Avoid sharp tools or anything that could be swallowed.
• Focus on the process, not the product:The goal isn’t to create a “masterpiece” but to have fun and enjoy the process of making or creating something. Even if the colors don’t match or the lines are crooked, that’s completely okay.
• Let them take the lead:Let your loved one choose the color, texture, and other aspects of their art. If they’re unable to use words, ask, “Would you like to use blue or green in this drawing?” Part of the healing power of art stems from allowing the person with dementia to express themselves freely.
• Make it part of a routine:Establishing a routine is important for people with dementia. So, schedule creative tasks and stick with it. For example, you can set Tuesday and Thursday afternoons as “art time”. Doing this gives them a structure and something to look forward to each week.

Art Therapy Benefits People With Dementia

Introducing art therapy for dementia into your loved one’s life can bring more good days. Even one painting project, one colored page, one time talking about old photos, all add up to preserving their cognitive functions.

Using creative expression to support individuals with dementia has several benefits. It fosters social connection, reduces isolation, and strengthens your dear one’s sense of identity.

While art doesn’t reverse dementia, it can brighten moments, improve mood, and help memory hold on, even if in small ways. For many, those small ways matter more than anything.

If you want to know more about the benefits of art therapy in a memory care setting, talk to a memory care advisor. Schedule a free consultation today.