Reaching a Different Part of the Brain

The Arts & Dementia

My Father Had Alzheimer’s

We Rage We Weep Alzheimer Foundation An independent Canadian Registered

Charity established in May 2006 We support caregivers of those with

Alzheimer’s disease or related dementia.

In doing so we fund, administer and/or market programs and services that:

Make a difference in the day to day lives of caregivers and their loved ones, often a life partner or parent

Are not currently available through statutory assistance but complement that already existing within the community

Thereby easing the burden of care giving – one family at a time.

All programs and services are provided by qualified service providers and are dependent on funding.

Project Lifesaver or Greater VictoriaVHF radio frequency

wander location & recovery program for seniors with dementia, dedicated to bringing loved ones home

Our ProgramsFriendship Connection

A companion program whereby clients of Lifetime Networks and their support workers visit seniors with Alzheimer’s or dementia providing a “friendship connection”

Dementia is an umbrella termMany different types Shared signs & symptomsMost common is memory loss

Alzheimer Disease is the most common form of dementia effecting about 67%

Diagnosis given when other forms of dementia have been ruled out

Dementia vs. Alzheimer’s

Alzheimer's and dementia kills more people than Breast and Prostate Cancers combined!

Alzheimer Disease is now the 6th leading cause of death It is the only cause of death among the top 10 that cannot be

prevented, cured, or even slowedAlzheimer’s or dementia is now the second most frightening

disease behind cancer 1 in 11 Canadians over age 65 has AD or dementia A new case of dementia is diagnosed in Canada every 5 minutes70% of people with AD or dementia live at home cared for by

family and friends 25% of caregivers experience economic hardship Caregivers assume 75-85% of the financial responsibility of

caring

Dementia Stats/Interesting Facts

Connection Between Art & Dementia

Signs & Symptoms

1. Memory loss

2. Difficulty performing familiar tasks

3. Problems with language

4. Disorientation of time and place

5. Poor or decreased judgment

6. Problems with abstract thinking

7. Misplacing things

8. Changes in mood or behaviour

9. Changes in personality

10. Loss of initiative

Art’s Effect

1. Memory not required or old memories still in tact

2. Simply create

3. No language needed for art

4.Time/place not relevant

5 & 6. No judgement or abstract thinking necessary, just doing

7. Necessary materials provided

8. Simply express themselves

9. Elevates mood, focuses attention, distracts, calms &

relaxes

10. Engages, allows expression

Music Singing Dancing Painting Drawing Colouring Sculpting Collage Making Imprinting Decorating Flower Arranging Storytelling

Essentially: Creating

Even viewing great art

Art Forms that Benefit Dementia Clients

Arts & Alzheimer’s Concept: art & music participation for

seniors with dementia

Focus on 70% of people at home with caregiver

Engaging the minds of those with dementia

Providing respite to caregivers

Pilot launched April 2011 in Oak Bay 2 - 8 week pilots running spring & fall

Our Art & Music Program

2 programs (Oak Bay Untied Church & Saanich Silver Threads

2 days a week (Tuesdays & Thursdays)2 hours each day10 consecutive weeks 3 cycles of 10 weeks in a year (New Year,

Spring & Fall)

What are we doing?

Simple & consistent format

Only art & musicNo other activities or

outings

Not therapyNo expectationsWe are not trying to

rehabilitate

How is it unique?

Employing the best practices of dementia care:SocializationInteraction with otherStructured routineNon-verbal activityExpressive outlet

Beyond that:Unconditional acceptanceCompassion, understanding, encouragement

How are we doing it?

Clients:Socialize & new friendsFreedom of expressionCultivation new or renewed talentSense of pride & accomplishmentFun

Caregivers:RespiteSupportNew friendsCompanionshipSocial activity

What’s the outcome?

DistractionDeep relaxationSupports pain managementReduces stressReduces blood pressureIncreases endorphins in the

brainBoosts the immune systemElevates moodRelieves four A's - anxiety,

aggression, agitation & apathy

Benefits the Research Shows

Emotional Memory They don’t remember us

(volunteers, organizers or art & music guides)

They don’t remember the program or what they do there

They don’t remember the people they meet or befriend

They remember how it makes them feel!

"Is today the day we go to class?"

Our Observations

1. Stop asking your loved one or client questions!

2. They don’t need tough love, they need unconditional love.

3. If you have met one person with Alzheimer’s, you have met one person with Alzheimer’s!

4. Caregiver’s Mantra: It’s the disease not the person.

Things to Remember

More Artistic Works

We Rage We Weep Alzheimer Foundation

Easing the burden of care giving -

one family at a time

www.werageweweep.com Registered Charity BN: 80814 2277 RR0001

Proudly funding, administrating & marketing

Project Lifesaver of Greater VictoriaArts & Alzheimer’s

Friendship Connection

Sponsored by