Communications in Humanities Research ISSN: 2753-7072
Home> Volumes> Volume CHR Vol.62> Article
Research Article

The Impact of Painting Therapy on Alleviating Anxiety and Enhancing Emotional Expression in Alzheimer’s Patients

Jingyi LinCentral Academy of Fine Arts*

* Corresponding author: [email protected]

Abstract

Patients with Alzheimer disorders tend to develop nervousness and emotional difficulties that influence their quality of life and worsen the symptoms of cognitive impairment. Traditional medicines are necessary, but they do not usually help to deal with the mood disturbances associated with anxiety. The non-pharmacological interventions especially the use of creativity using paints has been promising as support therapy in the recent past. This paper examines the possibilities of painting therapy in the treatment of anxiety issues and emotional maximization of patients with Alzheimer. A seven week structured painting therapy process was carried out ranging over 50 minutes weekly over seven weeks to give a secure opportunity to express emotions. The results indicate that painting activities helped the participants to re-experience the memories, emotion and self awareness which are some of the contributing factors to their emotional strength and interest. Notwithstanding, other limitations like the small sample size and the use of subjective assessments make it clear that more research that use larger sample size and quantitative methods is necessary. Further research and investigation can compare the impact of different art therapeutic processes, like music or dance, to have a better insight into their possible use in dementia care and cognitive maintenance.

Keywords: Alzheimer’s disease; painting therapy; anxiety reduction; emotional expression; non-pharmacological intervention
Published: December 12, 2024
DOI: 10.54254/2753-7064/2025.18140
Volume: CHR Vol.62
pp. 27-32
Download PDF

References

  1. Stites, S. D., Harkins, K., Rubright, J. D., & Karlawish, J. (2018). Relationships between cognitive complaints and quality of life in older adults with mild cognitive impairment, mild Alzheimer disease dementia, and normal cognition. Alzheimer Disease & Associated Disorders, 32(4), 276-283. https://doi.org/10.1097/WAD.0000000000000269
  2. Morris, F. J. (2014). Should art be integrated into cognitive behavioral therapy for anxiety disorders? The Arts in Psychotherapy, 41(4), 343-352. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.aip.2014.06.004
  3. Feng, Y. (2023). Research progress on anxiety and depression in patients with mild cognitive impairment. Clinical Medical Progress, 13(2), 1795-1804. https://doi.org/10.12677/ACM.2023.132249
  4. Xiang, M., & Liu, R. (1996). Baseline survey of the multidimensional longitudinal study on population aging in Beijing. Chinese Journal of Geriatrics, 15(6), 328-331.
  5. Solfrizzi, V., D’Introno, A., Colacicco, A. M., et al. (2007). Incident occurrence of depressive symptoms among patients with mild cognitive impairment—The Italian Longitudinal Study on Aging. Dementia and Geriatric Cognitive Disorders, 24, 55-64. https://doi.org/10.1159/000103632
  6. Baiyewu, O., Unverzagt, F. W., Ogunniyi, A., et al. (2012). Behavioral symptoms in community-dwelling elderly Nigerians with dementia, mild cognitive impairment, and normal cognition: Nigeria Mild Cognitive Impairment Dementia Behavioral Symptoms. International Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry, 27, 931-939. https://doi.org/10.1002/gps.2804
  7. Eskel, A., Nie, J., & Li, X. (2023). Progress in the application of creative art therapy for the mental and behavioral symptoms of dementia patients. Journal of the Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, 45(2), 322-326. https://doi.org/10.3881/j.issn.1000-503X.15009
  8. Emblad, S. Y., & Mukaetova-Ladinska, E. B. (2021). Creative art therapy as a non-pharmacological intervention for dementia: A systematic review. Journal of Alzheimer's Disease Reports, 5(1), 353-364. https://doi.org/10.3233/ADR-200262