The U.S. Alzheimer’s Disease Centers is overseeing a second round of a study exploring the effects of visual arts activities on quality of life for people with mild to moderate dementia and their caregivers. The study is accepting participants now for this new session beginning Sept. 10.
Led by researchers Allan Richards and Ann Christianson of the University of Kentucky School of Art and Visual Studies, this eight-week program will include groups of 12 (six people with dementia and their partner caregivers) who will participate in various visual arts activities, including painting, sculpture or collage.
“Our study is focused on providing mentally stimulating and enriching activities in the visual arts for persons with dementia in order to engage cognitive processes, emotions, and motor skills, perhaps slowing cognitive decline and improving quality of life,” Richards said.
Participants in the first round found the program to be a great success. “The spring program was lots of fun for everyone involved. The participants enjoyed creating beautiful works of art. Many expressed a desire to continue pursuing art projects past the duration of the program,” Christianson said.
The study will begin Saturday, Sept. 10, and will be held once a week on Saturday or Sunday at the UK Art and Visual Studies Building located at 236 Bolivar St. Each session will last for about an hour and a half. All art supplies are free to study participants and free handicapped-accessible parking is available next to the building.
For more information about the study or to see whether you are eligible, call Richards at 859-361-1483 or Christianson at 859-312-4553.
