The Effect of Art Training on Dementia

The present study is a pilot project investigating the effect of visual art training on the mood, behaviour, and cognition of persons with dementia (PWD). The study utilized a randomized control trial (RCT) design, with a usual activity waitlist control group, in order to investigate the effects of an eight-week visual art training program, designed specifically for this project, on PWD. The results of the present study provide insights regarding the use of visual art training as a possible means of improving working memory while avoiding qualitative reports of problematic behaviour and mood disturbances. However, these results must be interpreted with caution as performance on most tasks did not reach significance. Furthermore, small sample size and task-related complications represent significant limitations, affecting the present studys generalizability. Nevertheless, the results of the present study are promising and encourage the need for additional research utilizing larger sample sizes.