Maintaining cognition through art : an exploration of art activities for the elderly with age-related cognitive decline
Gascon, Melissa; Gensolin, Anna Karina Paula; Potot, Genia Lyn (2025)
Julkaisun pysyvä osoite on
https://urn.fi/URN:NBN:fi:amk-2025052917898
https://urn.fi/URN:NBN:fi:amk-2025052917898
Tiivistelmä
Background: Population aging has led to a rise in age-related conditions such as cognitive decline and memory disorders. These disorders not only affect the elderly but also place emotional and financial burdens on families and the healthcare system. While pharmacologic treatments have shown limited success, non-pharmacologic approaches like art therapy have demonstrated potential benefits. This thesis aimed to review current literature to determine the various art modalities that can be used to mitigate cognitive decline in the elderly population, particularly in those who have been diagnosed with memory disorders.
Methodology: This descriptive literature review explored the effectiveness of various forms of art therapy in improving cognitive decline among elderly individuals with cognitive impairment. A comprehensive search of peer-reviewed studies from 2014 to 2024 in the CINAHL database yielded 288 articles, from which 10 met the strict inclusion criteria. Qualitative thematic analysis was conducted to identify patterns and themes related to cognitive, emotional, and quality-of-life outcomes associated with art therapy interventions.
Results: Ten eligible studies involving a total of 2,985 elderly participants with memory disorders were analysed to assess the efficacy of various art therapy modalities—visual art appreciation, expressive art creation, and music. Quantitative data showed that art therapy significantly improved global cognition, memory, executive function, language, and visuo-spatial abilities, with short-term benefits more pronounced than long-term effects. Additionally, it reduced depression and anxiety while enhancing quality of life. Qualitative findings echoed these benefits, highlighting improved social interaction, emotional well-being, and cognitive engagement.
Conclusion: This review highlights the significant role of art therapy in enhancing cognitive function, emotional well-being, and quality of life among individuals with memory disorders. Regular, long-term exposure and well-structured, accessible programs are key to sustaining these benefits. Art therapy emerges as a valuable non-pharmacologic intervention that promotes independence and offers meaningful support for those experiencing cognitive decline.
Methodology: This descriptive literature review explored the effectiveness of various forms of art therapy in improving cognitive decline among elderly individuals with cognitive impairment. A comprehensive search of peer-reviewed studies from 2014 to 2024 in the CINAHL database yielded 288 articles, from which 10 met the strict inclusion criteria. Qualitative thematic analysis was conducted to identify patterns and themes related to cognitive, emotional, and quality-of-life outcomes associated with art therapy interventions.
Results: Ten eligible studies involving a total of 2,985 elderly participants with memory disorders were analysed to assess the efficacy of various art therapy modalities—visual art appreciation, expressive art creation, and music. Quantitative data showed that art therapy significantly improved global cognition, memory, executive function, language, and visuo-spatial abilities, with short-term benefits more pronounced than long-term effects. Additionally, it reduced depression and anxiety while enhancing quality of life. Qualitative findings echoed these benefits, highlighting improved social interaction, emotional well-being, and cognitive engagement.
Conclusion: This review highlights the significant role of art therapy in enhancing cognitive function, emotional well-being, and quality of life among individuals with memory disorders. Regular, long-term exposure and well-structured, accessible programs are key to sustaining these benefits. Art therapy emerges as a valuable non-pharmacologic intervention that promotes independence and offers meaningful support for those experiencing cognitive decline.