Submitted
Can the arts truly make an impact on your loved ones with dementia and depression?
Dr. Don Hay, M.D., past President of Indiana Psychiatric Society, has spent more than 40 years studying the link between dementia and depression. Dr. Hay is now retired and visits PrimeLife Enrichment (PLE) several days of the week.
Here are a couple of facts provided by Dr. Hay: 1) One-third of people who develop clinical depression for the first time in their senior years may develop dementia. 2) Another one-third that develop dementia may develop clinical depression after the dementia.
The Alzheimer’s Association, the National Alliance for Caregiving, and many other organizations have compiled statistics that affirm what Dr. Hay has known for years: Dementia and depression have created a health crisis that needs addressed by all sectors of our community.
Fortunately for many dementia patients and their caregivers, the arts can have a positive impact on their mental and physical well-being. Studies have shown that people with dementia can flourish and show creativity in ways they, their caregivers and loved ones never thought possible. Whether the therapy consists of the visual arts, music therapy, performing arts, crafts, etc., research shows that the results can include significant improvements in mood and cognition, as well as a reduced risk of social withdrawal and depression. Ultimately, the arts can make a contribution to the quality of life of people living with dementia, give their caregivers a stronger sense of purpose, resolve and commitment, and help make our community more compassionate and aware.
Dr. Tim Brimmer of Butler University and founder of Sound Minds is passionate about the role music can play in the lives of dementia patients and their caregivers. He and his team of colleagues, students and industry leaders in music, psychology, pharmacy, communication science disorders, physics, and innovative technologies, working alongside leading physicians, nurses and caregivers, support research and professional training programs that advance quality of life for the elderly and their caregivers.
Their current projects focus on the use of music and other expressive arts as a non-pharmacologic intervention for individuals diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease or other related dementias. They increase engagement that may assist in reducing falls, behaviors and prescription drug use.
More simply, Dr. Brimmer said, “Music breaks barriers to allow for enjoyment and improved quality of life.”
Dr. Brimmer comes to PLE every first week of the month bringing with him, music for all to join in and leave feeling so much better.
Dementia patients and their caregivers are often at risk of suffering from serious depression. Fortunately, music and other arts therapy can help reduce this risk. The arts provide them with an opportunity to become immersed in creative activity that can help them recover, especially when integrated with appropriate medical therapy.
While art therapy is not a cure for depression and other mental health challenges, a recent article in the American Journal of Public Health noted that, “There are clear indications that artistic engagement has significantly positive effects on health.”
PrimeLife Enrichment (PLE) is taking steps to address the growing health crisis of dementia and depression in our community. PLE’s weekly “Mood and Memory” program, developed with the assistance and input of Dr. Hay, features arts-related therapeutic and educational activities designed to help memory-challenged individuals and their caregivers stay connected with others and avoid or overcome feelings of depression and social isolation.
This program is offered every Friday for free. It is important to get your loved ones out of the house and these “Mood and Memory” offerings will help you and your loved ones feel better. Lunch is served at 11:30 a.m. by Second Helping, and the program starts at noon. You do not need to be a member or live in Hamilton County to take part.
PLE, with the assistance of the Central Indiana Council on Aging (CICOA), is also launching a program to start educating local businesses about the Dementia Friends program. You can help get the word out by encouraging your employer to allow PLE to educate fellow employees about the resources available to help meet the personal challenges of caregiving for loved ones with dementia.
For more information about these or other services offered by PrimeLife Enrichment, contact Executive Director Linda Handy by calling (317) 815-7000.
Finally, if you have the opportunity to thank CICOA, United Way, the Hamilton County Council and Commissioners, and most recently the City of Carmel for their financial support of PLE’s efforts to fight dementia and depression, please do so. Without such support, PLE would be unable to continue to meet the evolving needs of Hamilton County’s senior population.