Reaching a Different Part of the Brain
The Arts & Dementia
My Father Had Alzheimer’s
We Rage We Weep Alzheimer Foundation An independent Canadian Registered
Charity established in May 2006 We support caregivers of those with
Alzheimer’s disease or related dementia.
In doing so we fund, administer and/or market programs and services that:
Make a difference in the day to day lives of caregivers and their loved ones, often a life partner or parent
Are not currently available through statutory assistance but complement that already existing within the community
Thereby easing the burden of care giving – one family at a time.
All programs and services are provided by qualified service providers and are dependent on funding.
Project Lifesaver or Greater VictoriaVHF radio frequency
wander location & recovery program for seniors with dementia, dedicated to bringing loved ones home
Our ProgramsFriendship Connection
A companion program whereby clients of Lifetime Networks and their support workers visit seniors with Alzheimer’s or dementia providing a “friendship connection”
Dementia is an umbrella termMany different types Shared signs & symptomsMost common is memory loss
Alzheimer Disease is the most common form of dementia effecting about 67%
Diagnosis given when other forms of dementia have been ruled out
Dementia vs. Alzheimer’s
Alzheimer's and dementia kills more people than Breast and Prostate Cancers combined!
Alzheimer Disease is now the 6th leading cause of death It is the only cause of death among the top 10 that cannot be
prevented, cured, or even slowedAlzheimer’s or dementia is now the second most frightening
disease behind cancer 1 in 11 Canadians over age 65 has AD or dementia A new case of dementia is diagnosed in Canada every 5 minutes70% of people with AD or dementia live at home cared for by
family and friends 25% of caregivers experience economic hardship Caregivers assume 75-85% of the financial responsibility of
caring
Dementia Stats/Interesting Facts
Connection Between Art & Dementia
Signs & Symptoms
1. Memory loss
2. Difficulty performing familiar tasks
3. Problems with language
4. Disorientation of time and place
5. Poor or decreased judgment
6. Problems with abstract thinking
7. Misplacing things
8. Changes in mood or behaviour
9. Changes in personality
10. Loss of initiative
Art’s Effect
1. Memory not required or old memories still in tact
2. Simply create
3. No language needed for art
4.Time/place not relevant
5 & 6. No judgement or abstract thinking necessary, just doing
7. Necessary materials provided
8. Simply express themselves
9. Elevates mood, focuses attention, distracts, calms &
relaxes
10. Engages, allows expression
Music Singing Dancing Painting Drawing Colouring Sculpting Collage Making Imprinting Decorating Flower Arranging Storytelling
Essentially: Creating
Even viewing great art
Art Forms that Benefit Dementia Clients
Arts & Alzheimer’s Concept: art & music participation for
seniors with dementia
Focus on 70% of people at home with caregiver
Engaging the minds of those with dementia
Providing respite to caregivers
Pilot launched April 2011 in Oak Bay 2 - 8 week pilots running spring & fall
Our Art & Music Program
2 programs (Oak Bay Untied Church & Saanich Silver Threads
2 days a week (Tuesdays & Thursdays)2 hours each day10 consecutive weeks 3 cycles of 10 weeks in a year (New Year,
Spring & Fall)
What are we doing?
Simple & consistent format
Only art & musicNo other activities or
outings
Not therapyNo expectationsWe are not trying to
rehabilitate
How is it unique?
Employing the best practices of dementia care:SocializationInteraction with otherStructured routineNon-verbal activityExpressive outlet
Beyond that:Unconditional acceptanceCompassion, understanding, encouragement
How are we doing it?
Clients:Socialize & new friendsFreedom of expressionCultivation new or renewed talentSense of pride & accomplishmentFun
Caregivers:RespiteSupportNew friendsCompanionshipSocial activity
What’s the outcome?
DistractionDeep relaxationSupports pain managementReduces stressReduces blood pressureIncreases endorphins in the
brainBoosts the immune systemElevates moodRelieves four A's - anxiety,
aggression, agitation & apathy
Benefits the Research Shows
Emotional Memory They don’t remember us
(volunteers, organizers or art & music guides)
They don’t remember the program or what they do there
They don’t remember the people they meet or befriend
They remember how it makes them feel!
"Is today the day we go to class?"
Our Observations
1. Stop asking your loved one or client questions!
2. They don’t need tough love, they need unconditional love.
3. If you have met one person with Alzheimer’s, you have met one person with Alzheimer’s!
4. Caregiver’s Mantra: It’s the disease not the person.
Things to Remember
More Artistic Works
We Rage We Weep Alzheimer Foundation
Easing the burden of care giving -
one family at a time
www.werageweweep.com Registered Charity BN: 80814 2277 RR0001
Proudly funding, administrating & marketing
Project Lifesaver of Greater VictoriaArts & Alzheimer’s
Friendship Connection
Sponsored by
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