Alzheimer Society using art as therapy for dementia sufferers
Finding new ways to stimulate the mind of a person with dementia is the goal behind the Alzheimer Society of Windsor-Essex’s creative art expression program.
The program, which kicked off in October, is funded by a $5,000 grant from Caesars Windsor Cares and is designed for people living with dementia and their caregivers. The once-a-month sessions are held at Art InDeed Studio and provide a unique art activity that can be modified based on participant’s preferences and abilities.
“It reduces stress and anxiety,” said Sarah Overton, education and support co-ordinator. “It also reduces isolation because a lot of time people are withdrawn after a dementia diagnosis because they are afraid to go out or say something wrong. So we are also providing them with that safe spot.”
Cecilia Banks and her husband Donald have been participating in the programs at the society for the past couple of years. The day programs allow Donald to stimulate his mind while socializing in a safe spot. For Cecilia, it gives her a few hours to herself.
In 2016, Cecilia sensed something was off with Donald, but she couldn’t put her finger on it. He was withdrawn, depressed and just seemed to not have a will for anything.
“I knew something wasn’t quite right with him,” said the Windsor woman. “He was also very forgetful and everything became a pattern with him. He would have to leave the house early in the morning if he was going to pay bills and be back by a certain time because time just seemed to be important. It seemed like he was afraid to not be back at a certain time.”
Finally, Cecilia reached out to her doctor pointing out something was wrong with Donald. She said her husband was just “different.” Finally after a series of tests he was diagnosed with dementia. She started taking over all the tasks Donald did, such as banking.
January is Alzheimer’s awareness month and society chief executive director Sally Bennett Olczak said there is still lots of work to do to reduce the stigmas.
In Windsor-Essex County 7,500 people have been diagnosed with dementia.
“I would say we’ve come a long way. But are we where we should be? Those of us in the field would say no,” Bennett Olczak said. “There are jokes about dementia and Alzheimer’s, but do we make a joke about persons with cancer, or persons affected with mentalhealth issues? We need to ease up on the jokes and quite frankly, they need to stop.”
This week, the society kicked off its new social awareness campaign aiming to get rid of the stigmas: “I live with dementia. Let me help you understand.”
It also released the findings of its new survey, which questioned 1,500 Canadians between 16 and 65 years old.
The survey revealed 46 per cent of respondents would feel ashamed or embarrassed if they had dementia, while 61 per cent believe they would face discrimination of some kind. Statistics show nearly 51 per cent of Canadians admit to using some type of stigmatizing language.
For more information on Alzheimer programs visit alzheimerwindsor.com.
It also reduces isolation because a lot of time people are withdrawn after a dementia diagnosis.