Social and Behavioral Sciences Commons^™

Exploring Touch: Art Therapy With Older Adults, Katherine Gilpatrick

Expressive Therapies Capstone Theses

Touch is an incredible tool that allows humans to connect with one another. It is instrumental in art therapy as we work with different populations and materials. Touch can occur in many ways but must be clearly defined in the therapeutic space, especially regarding ethical codes. This paper explored touch within senior living communities across different levels of care, including dementia care. A variety of art materials were used including drawing materials, collage, clay, and digital art. Art experiences were documented and analyzed through journaling and reflective artmaking. Four patterns emerged when examining the results including connection to product, differences …

What Drama Therapy Core Processes Can Be Observed In A Timeslips Session With Residents In Dementia Care Units?, Saverina Scopelleti

Expressive Therapies Capstone Theses

Despite the arrival of the person-centered movement in dementia care, biases continue in caregiving around ageism, cognitive disability, and pharmacological interventions to mitigate behavior issues. This paper underscores the efficacy of drama therapy as a non-pharmacological intervention in dementia care practices, directing focus on drama therapy core processes and how to utilize them to meaningfully engage with persons with dementia. In this phenomenological study, run over a four week period, I facilitated group interventions using TimeSlips with residents from two memory care units at separate assisted living facilities in New England. TimeSlips is an established program, specifically created for persons …

Utilizing Collage To Address Disenfranchised Grief Amongst Older Adults Living With Dementia: A Method, Isabelle A. Olsson

Expressive Therapies Capstone Theses

Grief is an inevitable part of the human experience as everyone encounters loss across the lifespan. However, some forms of grief go unrecognized or unvalidated leading to the disenfranchisement of the griever’s experience. Existing literature captures numerous experiences and approaches to addressing the grief of families and caretakers living with an individual diagnosed with dementia. However, little literature details the grief experiences of individuals diagnosed with dementia. Grief can go unrecognized amongst those living with dementia as they are often thought to be incapable of grief as a result of their memory loss and shift in cognition. This thesis explored …

Pool-Based Dance/Movement Therapy With An Elder Population: A Literature Review, Jabyn Cleere

Expressive Therapies Capstone Theses

Dance/Movement Therapy (DMT) is used widely with elders, yet little is known about the sub-field of pool-based therapy. Specific practices in DMT with elders appear in the literature with groups and individuals and uses of props that support issues of balance. While pool-based DMT literature is limited, there is a body of knowledge in related fields that tie closely to the idea of this approach. While implementing treatment in a pool setting may be limiting due to fears or ability, the literature review revealed that using pool DMT would benefit elderly health. Benefits to physical aspects such as balance, muscular …

Dance/Movement Therapy And A Positive Impact On Sense Of Self For Individuals Living With Dementia: Development Of A Method, Brittany Metrolis

Expressive Therapies Capstone Theses

Individuals living with dementia suffer from degenerative cognitive functioning, which in turn makes it difficult for language, emotions, social behavior, reasoning, balance, muscle function and automatic functions. The researcher reviewed literature available to better ground themselves in the importance of recognizing and expanding sense of self for those living with dementia. A dance/movement therapy group focused on prop work in a residential memory care facility with men and women living with different forms of dementia was formed. Verbal and non-verbal responses were recorded in regard to three therapeutic themes: body autonomy, prop work, and therapeutic touch. Results from the self-observations …

Dance/Movement Therapy And Nonverbal Communication Among Older Adults With Dementia: Development Of A Method, Diane Davis

Expressive Therapies Capstone Theses

Dementia is a neurocognitive disorder that affects many older adults. As it progresses, people slowly lose their verbal communication abilities. There is no known cure for dementia, and current treatments often fail to address the emotional and relational needs of the individual. This study builds on existing research by looking at how dance/movement therapy (DMT) may be an effective method for increasing nonverbal communication among the population living with dementia. DMT is a psychotherapy that prioritizes nonverbal modes of communication. DMT harnesses the power of movement and dance in relationship with clients. Two DMT sessions were conducted at an assisted …

Engagement With The Non-Traditional: Exploring Unique Art Making Processes With Residents Of An Assisted Living Community, Carina Fuller

Expressive Therapies Capstone Theses

The older adult population is growing exponentially, however, supportive resources and trained geriatric professionals are not. As part of the aging process many older adults face physical, emotional, and social challenges, plus there is a significant rise in diagnoses of dementia. As a part of a larger care plan, engaging in the creative process of art making has the power to address some of these common challenges. Art making has been observed to engage the senses and stimulate the mind, promote life review and self-expression, help to identify strengths, be a channel to express emotions, and in group settings reduce …

Beyond Bingo: Enhancing Quality Of Life In The Face Of Death For Hospice Patients With Dementia Through Integrated Expressive Arts Therapies, Development Of A Method, Jeanie Cooper Carson

Expressive Therapies Capstone Theses

This paper explores ways integrated expressive arts therapies (EAT) used with individuals with dementia in hospice can help facilitate living well in the face of dying. While research is limited regarding use of EAT with this population specifically, much significant research has been conducted to support the effectiveness of the employment of various creative arts modalities with individuals with dementia and also on hospice. Building on this research, the author developed and implemented an integrated EAT method with members of this population living in long-term care facilities in Greater Boston in the context of the pandemic of 2020-21. This paper …

The Potential Of Nordoff-Robbins Music Therapy Techniques In Music Therapy Practice For People Living With Dementia: A Literature Review, Ying-Chen Wang

Expressive Therapies Capstone Theses

The number of people with dementia has sustained growth in recent years. According to the World Health Organization (2012), dementia is one of the major causes of the loss of ability and independence for older adults worldwide. Due to the increase in the needs and demands of this population, there are more and more music therapy professionals devoting their effort to this field. Among a variety of music therapy approaches, Nordoff-Robbins Music Therapy practitioners also expand the ideas and beliefs from handicapped children to dementia care settings. There are six discussion topics in this literature review: (1) the main concepts …

Creating Connection Through Dance/Movement Therapy Among Older Adults With Dementia: Development Of A Method, Anna J. Barnes

Expressive Therapies Capstone Theses

The purpose of this thesis is to examine the use of Dance/movement therapy (D/MT) with a focus on sensory stimulation among individuals living with dementia to promote a higher level of engagement, connection, and reminiscence. This thesis will provide a literature review on the challenges that individuals living with dementia experience and the importance of a person-centered approach to care that is grounded in relationship (Newman-Bluestein & Chang, 2017). Additionally, the role that Dance/movement therapy plays among people with dementia and the benefits of sensory stimulation within this population are also included. Finally, a Dance/movement therapy intervention that was implemented …

Bridging The Gap: Relationship Building Through The Use Of Dance Movement Therapy With Older Adults With Dementia: Literature Review, Goni Rubel Zlotnik

Expressive Therapies Capstone Theses

The purpose of this capstone thesis is to examine how the use of dance movement therapy (DMT) can be a beneficial intervention for relationship building when working with older adults with dementia. Studies have shown that dementia is a state where body and mind are in distress (Hill, 2009; Karkou & Meekums, 2017). Therefore, caring and understanding of dementia treatment is vital for maintaining relationships and developing new ones. Person-centered care (PCC) has been used in this thesis as a theoretical psychological framework to support relationship building with elders with dementia. Karkou and Meekums (2017) suggested that due to the …

Dance/Movement Therapy And The Quality Of Life For Individuals With Late Stage Dementia: A Clinical Method, Brianna Berg

Expressive Therapies Capstone Theses

Dementia is a global healthcare concern, and while there is currently no cure for the disease, there are several major approaches used to slow its progression and improve the quality of life of people and families who live with dementia. Dementia impacts mostly older adults, and currently there is little evidence is known about how Dance Movement Therapy (DMT) may impact the pace or quality of life in such individuals. This study explored the impact of a DMT method developed for this study was based on principles established by one of the founders of DMT, Marian Chace and implemented in …

Collage Therapy With Elders: Group Socialization And Communication Beyond Words, Cassandra Knowles-True

Expressive Therapies Capstone Theses

Abstract

Dementia is a cognitive disease which impacts a person’s ability to verbally communicate and to emotionally socialize due to degeneration of the brain. Nonpharmacological approaches to dementia care have become more common as we look for more holistic approaches to caring for the entire person, and not just the brain functions and limitations. A new focus on the social and emotional needs of individuals with dementia has led to the use of expressive arts therapies, as therapeutic interventions in dementia care, in many nursing homes and senior centers. Collage therapy is particularly accessible, as an arts-based intervention, as the …

The Effectiveness Of Dance Movement Therapy With Elderly Women Who Have Dementia, Han Wang

Expressive Therapies Capstone Theses

As our world population rapidly ages, the number of people who develop dementia is also growing. Dementia brings significant impacts to patients and their families as well as to our society. Dance movement therapy (DMT) is regarded as a useful and appropriate intervention for those who find words difficult, those with cognitive impairments, or those who find it difficult to express and explore their emotions. It’s also combined both physical and psychological benefits. Therefore, it is possible that DMT has positive effects such as delaying cognitive deterioration, increasing social interaction, reducing anxiety, etc. for people who are suffering from dementia. …

"Music And Memory": Is It Personalized Music Therapy Or Just 'Good Music'?, Tamara Adams

Expressive Therapies Capstone Theses

This review of the literature focuses on the benefits of music and music therapy for persons diagnosed with dementia. A summary of the role of music therapy is given and compared to the Music & Memory program. The question is whether it is fair to call the latter music therapy when assessments are carried out by individuals not qualified in music therapy, but trained in the Music & Memory program. The consequence of the lack of knowledge of this distinction is inconsistent communication which misleads stakeholders about the role of music therapy in healthcare. In my experience through volunteering in …

Leading The Play: Development Of A Method Supporting Expression And Control With Adults With Dementia, Victoria Green

Expressive Therapies Capstone Theses

This paper explores the concept of client-led play with older adults with dementia and its possible impact on an individual’s ability to express enjoyment and sense of control. Expressive arts therapy is explored as a possible natural vehicle for providing client-led play groups to older adults with dementia. While research is limited regarding client-led play specifically, there has been significant research supporting the use of the creative arts with individuals with dementia, as it provides opportunities for non-verbal expression and spontaneous creativity. This paper argues that the arts have a natural connection to play through the use of the imagination …

Assisting Elders With Dementia In Residential Settings Through Music Therapy: A Literature Review, Benjamin Burke

Expressive Therapies Capstone Theses

Dementia is one of the most prevalent diagnoses for elders causing strain and debilitation of their social, mental, physical, emotional, behavioral and psychological faculties. Due to the nature of this condition, treatments for dementia have been structured to aid and improve the well-being and quality of life for those afflicted. Some of the goals that assisted-living services establish include reducing anxiety, increasing levels of comfort, improving mood, memory care and bettering verbal processing. Music therapy has been an intervention that assists with establishing these goals and implementing strategies resulting in short-term and long-term effects for those receiving treatment for dementia. …

Art Therapy And The Person-Centered Approach: A Method For Breaking Down Creative Resistance With Dementia Patients, Kimberly Nelson

Expressive Therapies Capstone Theses

This Capstone explores the use of art therapy with a geriatric population on a psychiatric unit of a small, rural southern hospital. Most of the patients experience symptoms of dementia and are over the age of 55. Many patients presented with resistance to creative pursuits and this researcher utilized the person-centered approach to counter this “creative resistance”. In other words, the patients were met where they were at and accepted unconditionally, through empathy and congruence. The materials that were offered to this population were explored through the creative resistance as well, and a simple number two pencil produced successful results …

From Ptsd To Dementia, Can Art Therapy Be Useful For Prevention And Intervention?, Souhad Chbeir

Expressive Therapies Capstone Theses

This review explores the possible link between post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and the increased risk of developing dementia, particularly Alzheimer’s disease. Chronic stress and trauma alter the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal pathway resulting in increased exposure to glucocorticoids (GC). The hippocampus, a memory center of the brain, is highly vulnerable to the effect of the stress hormone GC because of the high density of GC receptors. Continuous exposure to stress causes reduced hippocampal volume resulting in memory problems, trouble in trauma processing and long term health consequences, possibly including Alzheimer’s disease. Trauma also results in reshaping the amygdala, the center of emotions, causing …

Meeting Spiritual Needs Through Dance/Movement Therapy When The Mind Dissipates In Dementia: Development Of A Method, Mallory Barnes

Expressive Therapies Capstone Theses

The question of how identity is affected when diagnosed with dementia is explored in this capstone thesis. With the rise of dementia diagnoses (Goldstein-Levitas, 2016) there is a need for understanding effective approaches to care as emotional components remain intact. The literature highlights the essence of personhood and how person-centered care (PCC) is essential to preventing isolation and impacting a sense of self and well-being (Killick, 2004). Meeting spiritual needs in the sense of hope and purpose may also improve quality of life and delay symptoms. Dance/movement therapy (DMT) is specifically highlighted as an effective approach as sessions incorporate the …