A study among dementia-struck senior citizens in Singapore will measure whether art therapy might make a dent in the degenerative condition. As a part of the research, several dozen seniors will be monitored throughout the course of art classes, museum visits, and other artistic activities for signs that their dementia has been affected by the pastimes.
Every two weeks, the group of seniors will visit a museum in the area, like National Gallery Singapore, to tour the exhibits and attend sessions afterward discussing art pieces they saw, including assessments about how the pieces relate to them. An organizer at National Gallery Singapore says that the facility’s participation in the study will hopefully provide training so that museum staff can continue to take part in other art therapy sessions. During the alternate weeks, they will take part in an art therapy class, which will require them to complete activities related to expressing themselves and their feelings. The art therapy classes will feature such curriculum as varying projects in a variety of mediums, such as drawing, painting, collage art, and more. Projects will explore such topics as family relations and other tasks that help encourage the seniors to probe their memories for exploration through art.
Organizers of the study will measure the seniors’ progress through MRIs performed throughout different stages of the project, as well as blood tests. Seniors will also participate in a battery of tests designed to measure their memory, cognition, and other facets of their mind and understanding.
While studies around the world have provided considerable anecdotal evidence about the power of art therapy and senior citizens, this will be unique in that it will perform measurable tests, such as the MRIs and blood tests. That way, the study will be able to analyze whether there are tangible improvements to seniors’ health while participating in the art therapy program. The tests will be performed at the beginning of the program, as well as at intervals during it.
All sessions will begin with a meditation session that will ask the seniors to be self-aware of both their minds and their bodies, encouraging and increased awareness overall — something that could be key to the success of the study.
Dementia affects a growing number of Singaporeans, and organizers hope this study will help shed some light on possible treatment plans or solutions to the condition. The ultimate goal is to be able to recommend certain activities — like taking an art class — to senior citizens at risk of dementia.
Art classes are available for students of all ages and abilities. Sign you or a loved one up for informative classes via SGArtClass.com. SGArtClass.com is a comprehensive website that organizes all different types of art classes for browsing in one spot. Whether you’re interested in painting or collage, sculpture or drawing, SGArtClass.com will help you pinpoint your creative interests and sign up for further instruction.
To read more about the art therapy study, go to http://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/art-therapy-for-seniors-at-risk-of-dementia.