The importance of ART and MUSIC in dementia

All places where people have to visit, or where they live such as care homes or in their own home should be places that are bright and homely.  Seeing pieces of artwork or hearing sounds that they know may promote something that they have been interested in.  It is important for music to be played at times with classical, pop, folk, country (not just a radio stuck on with a channel that the staff think will do too low to hear,)  and then add some quiet times.  When music is important the type of music is also important and a whole range of music genres.

It is becoming well known that music is important to people with dementia stimulating some memories, and obviously that music has to be appropriate to each person.   In fact we all have different tastes in about everything there is; music, colours, clothes, books, places – the list is endless but you get my drift.  My interests include psychology research (because I took my degree in psychology and learnt that the mind and brain is truly fascinating, even if I struggle to remember what I learnt).

I came across this article on art and thought it made interesting reading, because I believe it has a bigger picture to offer us (excuse the pun there!).

Basically is shows that seeing art on the walls in a gallery have a more powerful effect than being shown a photo of a picture.   I love art and there is nothing better I like than seeing a piece of art on a wall somewhere, not just in a gallery, but anywhere.  Art with meaning in a cafe, shop, corporate building, or someone’s home.  I have my own collection of art  by various inluding a signed prints by artists Jack Vettriano (Night Geometry), and Susan Howells amongst other interesting artists.

I am not a keep lover of some of the meaningless pictures you can buy in any high store depicting the fashionable ‘picture of the day’ such as a photo of a white flower pot with coloured plant in etc.

How does all this to relate to this article?

I think that ALL of these public and private places should be respect the cultural differences and display a whole range of good ( I reiterate that) GOOD artwork on the walls of these establishments.  Nothing wrong with good prints in decent frames.   Lets see some decent artwork around.    People with dementia may have been art lovers too.

So people working in care homes around the world, take a step back and think about what it is you would like to hear and see around you.

Just saying…..

Author: Gill

I photograph things that take my eye. View all posts by Gill