By Taylor Pocopanni, Resident Life Director, Luther Oaks
Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias are characterized by a slow and irreversible deterioration of the brain, leaving the affected individual with the inability to recall memories, the most precious aspect of their lives. While the disease robs an individual of his memories, it often simultaneously affects the person’s ability to communicate, essentially trapping an individual in a lonely world. Thankfully, there are many creative avenues with which an individual can still communicate. All it takes is dedication and creativity to release that person from silence.
According to Reisberg’s Dementia Staging Systems, it is common for individuals with dementia to progress from Stage 2, a very mild cognitive decline that is identified when an individual notices his or her own memory lapses and trouble with word finding, to Stage 5, a moderately severe cognitive decline characterized by major gaps in memory and deficits in cognitive function. As an individual with dementia progresses through the stages, verbal communication becomes increasingly difficult. Fortunately, other areas of creativity and expression are preserved and remain strong even into advanced stages of dementia. In order to capitalize on these creative reserves in individuals with dementia of any stage, useful, non-pharmacological therapies have been proven to encourage communication. These therapies include music, visual arts, drama, and dance/movement therapies.
Combining the expressive value of an art therapy program with the benefits of a supportive, social group therapy program, Memories in the Making is an effective communication tool for people with dementia. It began in 1988 when volunteer leader Selly Jenny and art teacher Marilyn Oropeza, together with the Alzheimer’s Association of Orange County, developed an art program called Memories in the Making, which provides a unique way to record the expressions of feelings through the medium of art for people suffering from dementia and limited verbal skills.
Originally, the method was developed as a public awareness tool to educate the community about Alzheimer’s disease. Because of the expressive quality of many of the paintings, the art produced developed into a compelling way to raise funds for the non-profit organizations. Paintings were reproduced as greeting cards and calendars and the originals have been framed and auctioned at special art exhibitions. All funds raised benefited the Alzheimer’s Association. However, because of the power of the stories that accompany the art it was also realized that the method was most valuable as a reminiscing and “processing” tool to connect the artist with those around him.
After the program’s initial inception in Orange County, it has spread throughout the country and is now being used nationwide to harbor a safe, nurturing environment for individuals with dementia in order to promote confidence for continued expression without fear or shame.
The first Memories in the Making program in the Bloomington-Normal community will begin at Luther Oaks on Friday, June 6, in the Crossroads Memory Support community. The Volunteer Art Facilitators will lead the classes, which will be held each week. After the successful implementation of the program, the Bloomington Normal Alzheimer’s Association has hopes of increasing the program to other dementia care communities in the local area.
Luther Oaks, a Lutheran Life Community, is a not-for-profit senior living community, empowering grace-filled living across all generations. To learn more about Independent Living, Assisted Living, and Memory Support at Luther Oaks, please contact 309-557-8000.