Why do people with dementia engage in art therapy for non-verbal emotional expression?
People with dementia often find it hard to express their feelings and thoughts through words because the disease affects memory and communication skills. Art therapy offers a special way for them to share emotions without needing to speak. This form of therapy uses creative activities like painting, drawing, or sculpting to help people connect with their feelings in a non-verbal way.
Art therapy is not about making perfect art but about the process of creating. When people with dementia engage in art, they stimulate different parts of their brain, which can improve memory, attention, and problem-solving abilities. This stimulation helps keep their minds active even as other cognitive functions decline[1][2].
Creating art also gives individuals a sense of control and accomplishment at a time when many aspects of life may feel confusing or frustrating. It allows them to communicate emotions that might be too difficult to put into words, reducing anxiety and improving mood[2][3]. For example, someone who feels scared or sad might express those feelings through colors or shapes rather than trying—and struggling—to explain them verbally.
Moreover, doing art in group settings encourages social interaction and builds community among participants. This reduces feelings of isolation that are common in dementia patients by fostering meaningful connections with others[2]. The shared experience can bring joy and comfort beyond what medical treatments alone provide.
In summary:
– Dementia affects verbal communication; art provides an alternative way to express emotions.
– The creative process stimulates brain areas linked to memory and cognition.
– Art-making boosts confidence by giving a sense of achievement.
– Non-verbal expression through art helps reduce anxiety and lifts mood.
– Group art activities promote social connection and reduce loneliness.
Art therapy is therefore much more than just an activity—it’s a powerful tool that supports emotional well-being for people living with dementia by allowing them to communicate from within when words fail[1][2][3].
