Jason D Flatt1, Amy Liptak2, Mary Ann Oakley3, Jessica Gogan4, Tresa Varner5, Jennifer H Lingler2. 1. Department of Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA jdf50@pitt.edu. 2. School of Nursing, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA. 3. Department of Neurology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA Department of Psychiatry, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA. 4. Henry Clay Frick Department of History of Art and Architecture, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA. 5. Education Department, The Andy Warhol Museum, Pittsburgh, PA, USA.
Abstract
OBJECTIVE: To describe the subjective experiences of older adults with early-stage Alzheimer's disease or related cognitive disorders (ADRDs) and their family caregivers who participated in an art museum engagement activity. METHODS: Four focus groups were conducted with 10 persons with ADRD and 10 family caregivers following the completion of a 1-time, 3-hour engagement activity. Participants also completed a brief satisfaction survey, and associations were examined using nonparametric statistics. RESULTS: Three key themes were identified: cognitive stimulation, social connections, and self-esteem. In addition, we identified programmatic issues such as activity-specific concerns and program logistics that could help improve future art program offerings. Past experience with art and perceived social cohesion were correlated with participants' overall satisfaction with the program. DISCUSSION: Efforts aimed at improving the quality of life of those with Alzheimer's disease and their family caregivers should consider the potential role of art museums.
OBJECTIVE: To describe the subjective experiences of older adults with early-stage Alzheimer's disease or related cognitive disorders (ADRDs) and their family caregivers who participated in an art museum engagement activity. METHODS: Four focus groups were conducted with 10 persons with ADRD and 10 family caregivers following the completion of a 1-time, 3-hour engagement activity. Participants also completed a brief satisfaction survey, and associations were examined using nonparametric statistics. RESULTS: Three key themes were identified: cognitive stimulation, social connections, and self-esteem. In addition, we identified programmatic issues such as activity-specific concerns and program logistics that could help improve future art program offerings. Past experience with art and perceived social cohesion were correlated with participants' overall satisfaction with the program. DISCUSSION: Efforts aimed at improving the quality of life of those with Alzheimer's disease and their family caregivers should consider the potential role of art museums.
Authors: Jean-Jacques Monsuez; Véronique François; Robert Ratiney; Isabelle Trinchet; Pierre Polomeni; Georges Sebbane; Séverine Muller; Marylène Litout; Cécile Castagno; Didier Frandji Journal: Int J Environ Res Public Health Date: 2019-01-13 Impact factor: 3.390