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Arts & Alzheimer's

(Click photo to go to Arts & Alzheimer's website)

The ability to remember words and communicate fluidly with language is one of the first losses one experiences with the onset of Alzheimer's disease. Families and professionals working with individuals diagnosed with dementia must learn new communication techniques which rely heavily on nonverbal exchanges and symbolic interpretations in order to express thoughts or interpret needs. For many of us nonverbal expression is often a component of our verbalization as we use our hands to signal, direct, and call attention to something, but learning symbolic interpretation, that is the emotion or idea behind what one is trying to express, is far more difficult.

Neuroscientists have long understood that although functional abilities are lost as the disease of Alzheimer's progresses much of one's ability to comprehend visual art, and music on a deep emotional level remains intact even if it may not be apparent to the casual observer. In 2003 the Museum of Modern Art in New York City, in collaboration with John Zeisel, Ph.D., president of Hearthstone Alzheimer Care, developed a groundbreaking program for individuals with dementia officially called "Meet Me at MoMA.....and make Memories" which used the paintings in the museum's collection to assist individuals with Alzheimer's in the communication process. With the assistance of a museum educator, individuals are given the freedom to express their emotions using observation and symbolic interpretation. No judgment is placed on any of their comments. Caregivers accompanying their family members have benefit from learning new methods of communicating through observation of this process.

Rockland Trust along with seven of the Local Cultural Councils on Cape Cod have generously granted funding to Alzheimer's Services to expand this art programming throughout our local region. Collaboration with a variety of galleries around the Cape has been establish to create The Arts & Alzheimer's Project providing a venue for Alzheimer's programming, as well as giving local artists an opportunity to talk about their work.

The Arts & Alzheimer's Project is appropriate for most individuals with memory impairment regardless of their level of disease progression. Caregivers who would like to attend any of the programming offerings with their care recipient offered should call Alzheimer's Services of Cape Cod & the Islands to register (508-775-5656).

For dates and locations click here.