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music therapy

The Art of Medicine and the Medicine of Art

Teaser: 

Michael Gordon, MD, MSc, FRCPC,

Emeritus Professor of Medicine, Member, Joint Centre for Bioethics, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON.

CLINICAL TOOLS

Abstract: Two case studies demonstrate the therapeutic benefits of creative arts in dementia patients. A 75-year-old woman with mixed Alzheimer’s and vascular dementia resumed drawing after donepezil treatment, showing improved cognition and quality of life. A 78-year-old Greek man with mild dementia used music for emotional coping and cognitive enhancement. Both cases illustrate how artistic activities complement traditional medical treatments, improving well-being, communication, and cognitive function in patients with dementia through non-pharmacological interventions.
Key Words: art therapy, music therapy, dementia treatment, non-pharmacological intervention.
Creative Arts as Complementary Treatment: Art and music therapy serve as valuable non-pharmacological interventions that complement traditional dementia medications like donepezil, enhancing overall treatment outcomes.
Cognitive and Emotional Benefits: Artistic activities can improve cognitive function, reduce behavioral symptoms, enhance mood, and provide emotional outlets for patients with Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias.
Preservation of Creative Abilities: Despite cognitive decline, patients often retain artistic and musical abilities longer than other cognitive functions, allowing for meaningful engagement and self-expression.
Quality of Life Enhancement: Creative therapies improve social interaction, reduce isolation, and maintain personhood and identity in dementia patients, contributing significantly to overall well-being beyond mere cognitive measures.
Ask About Creative Interests: During patient assessments, specifically inquire about previous artistic hobbies or musical interests, as these can be powerful therapeutic tools that patients may have forgotten they enjoyed.
Musical Memory Persists: Musical abilities and memories often remain intact longer than other cognitive functions in dementia patients, making music therapy particularly effective even in moderate to severe stages of the disease.
Focus on Residual Abilities: Design interventions around what patients can still do rather than their deficits - this approach promotes engagement, self-esteem, and therapeutic success in creative activities.
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Related Terms: Law and Ethics, art therapy, music therapy, dementia, treatment, non-pharmaceutical intervention