Participatory visual arts activities for people with dementia: A review
Barroso, Aline Cavalcanti Orrell, Martin Schneider, Justine Rai, Harleen
Barroso, Aline Cavalcanti
Orrell, Martin
Schneider, Justine
Rai, Harleen
Abstract
This narrative synthesis systematic review has evaluated 20 articles that used participatory visual arts in research for people with dementia. The review of these studies suggests that participatory art activities are beneficial to the people with dementia, having positive effects on their cognition, psychological and social aspects. The studies evaluated here showed a great variety of art interventions, the focus of the studies and outcomes of interest. This made comparisons between studies challenging. Because of their heterogeneity, it is not possible to generalize broadly from the results but we have been able here to draw on the evidence to identify features of interventions that appear to be associated with positive outcomes. We cannot indicate with certainty how the interventions may affect the participants with dementia. We can only report on the most common characteristics of what has worked in the interventions. The review indicates that interventions associated with more positive outcomes provided different types of supported art activities in frequent sessions adopting an empowering approach and involving carers where possible. These interventions were able to maintain the participants engaged across the sessions and offered them enjoyable experiences with art creation. The use of participatory visual arts in activities for people with dementia has many advantages. These activities can increase their overall well-being and positive mood during the activity sessions, as well as promoting social inclusion, self-esteem and independence. They are accessible to many people in different settings and they do not significantly increase the costs of healthcare. Our findings may be useful in the commissioning, design and implementation participatory visual arts interventions for people with dementia. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2023 APA, all rights reserved) (Source: chapter)
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Date
2023
Type
Book chapter
Subject
Dementia, Art therapy
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Citation
Barroso, A. C., Rai, H. K., Sousa, L., Orrell, M. & Schneider, J. (2023). Participatory visual arts activities for people with dementia: A review. In: Orrell, M., Oliveira, D., McDermott, O., Verhey, F. R. J., Dassen, F. C. M. & Dröes, R.-M. (eds.) Improving the lives of people with dementia through technology: Interdisciplinary network for dementia utilising current technology. New York: Routledge, pp. 100-126.