User:Breezyshore/sandbox

Background:
Through engaging with art and technology, patients with dementia and Alzheimer’s are able to find relief from their daily symptoms of this fatal disease. By using technology to access artistic activities, a patient may recall a short term memory or even prevent their disease from advancing. While researches are racing to find a cure, Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is the most common form of dementia in the aging population. Technology working with the arts provides a non-traditional approach to standard medical treatment. This approach helps to reduce the overall feelings of depression and anxiety which are common symptoms patients with Alzheimer’s face. However, providing treatment with the aid of technology can alleviate symptoms but do little to slow the progression of the disease. Artistic performance could create new brain plasticity that, to some extent, might compensate for the brain damage caused by the disease2. Many research projects are finding that by opening the mind with art, one can communicate what words cant. Dr. Anderson from the Alternative & Complementary Therapies Study, notes that these therapies are making a significant difference in patients with this neurodegenerative disease.

Technology
New developing technologies such as the ePAD, are providing researchers with indications of early onset Alzheimer’s dementia. According to the European Research Initiative for the Prevention of Alzheimer’s Dementia, “…with the help of the ePAD, the identification and referral of the concerned patients is accelerated and several treatment options can be tested rapidly within one same trial”3. In an article, found on MIT technology reviews, author Phil Barker discusses the new technology developing in terotechnology today. He states than a “…Israeli startup Neuronix, developed a noninvasive treatment for Alzheimer’s based on transcranial magnetic stimulation” (7). Barker goes on to claim that Neuronix can alleviate symptoms but doesn’t significantly impact the prevention of the disease, yet. Other small research projects like these, show that the treatment appeared to slow cognitive decline in a few patients, but had no effect in others. However, researchers did find that deep brain stimulation overturned one of the indicators of Alzheimer’s: impaired glucose metabolism in the brain. These studies provide the first evidence that suggests it is more effective when used upon earlier stages of the disease.

Early Detection Research:
According to York University, a physical and mental test that includes movement and thinking can help detect Alzheimer’s disease at an early stage. This current study being conducted at York University, shows that a simple test can foresee the onset of Alzheimer’s dementia (AD) in individuals who previously haven’t shown any symptoms to the disease. With this research in mind, it is possible that early diagnosis of AD could lead to better treatment options. The participants of this study were given the simple test on a double screen computer. Then, they were divided into three groups based on family history of AD, and the other two groups of adults with no known history of cognitive issues. According to Lauren Sergio a study author “… we found that 81.8 percent of the participants that had a family history of AD and those with MCI had problems finishing visual motor tasks” (6). This research helps further understand that the brain has the ability to process visual and sensory information and turn that information into physical actions. Researchers have linked this information to the fact that the parietal area of the brain and the frontal regions of the brain connect. Although researchers state that these tests don’t predict Alzheimer’s dementia, but they do catch early signs of the disease.

Art
Being involved with visual and performing arts provides opportunities for individuals with dementia to express themselves creatively. Through the process of creating an image or singing a song for example, a person with dementia may access long or short term memories. Being engaged in the arts may provide an access to emotions, self-exploration, thoughts, dreams and hopes. The arts provide a non-pharmaceutical approach that helps alleviate anxiety and confusion and provide some respite for people with Alzheimer’s dementia and their caregivers. Being engaged in the arts is a positive way of maintaining or improving one's quality of life, especially those who live with dementia.

ART Foundation:
According to Research Funding News Magazine, the Alzheimer’s Research Trust (ART) organization provides funds and helps support research and researchers looking for a cure to Alzheimer’s. In the ART program, specific grants and fellowships are donated and from there, funds are divided to outside research projects to help fund their research in finding a cure. Their foundation specifically funds researchers exploring treatments through the use of art therapy. They state “Art therapy, whether done in a community setting or at home, provides an enriched environment that can excite the imagination of individuals with dementia” (4). Since Alzheimer’s takes away individuals ability to use verbal skills, this foundation helps support research that helps these individuals express themselves in a non-verbal way. Also, the Alzheimer’s foundation of America states, “…it can also help individuals recover the use of motor skills in the same manner as physical rehabilitation” (5).

The Society for the Arts in Dementia Care:
The topic of creative expression and dementia is gaining interest in conferences, workshops, art exhibits and in research projects in the academic world. Presently, there is no known cure for this condition[30] and the Society urges the medical model of dementia care to be reinforced with approaches that promote social and creative well-being. The work of the Society is of interest to researchers in gerontology and dementia, to the arts community, to creative expression facilitators, medical doctors, formal and informal caregivers. It also engages practitioners in the field of dementia care, administrators of care facilities, policy makers, families and the community at large.

References:

 * 1) Mirabella, Giovanni. "Is Art Therapy A Reiable Tool For Rehabilitating People Suffering From Brain/Mental Diseases?." Journal Of Alternative & Complementary Medicine 21.4 (2015): 196-199. Academic Search Complete. Web. 23 Apr. 2015.
 * 2) "Clinical Roundup: Selected Treatment Options For Alzheimer's Disease." Alternative & Complementary Therapies 21.1 (2015): 44-49. Academic Search Complete. Web. 23 Apr. 2015.
 * 3) "35 Partners from Industry and Academia to Join European Research Initiative for the Prevention of Alzheimer's Dementia." 35 Partners from Industry and Academia to Join European Research Initiative for the Prevention of Alzheimer's Dementia. Web. 18 Apr. 2015. f.
 * 4) "Research Funding News." Psychologist 22.12 (2009): 1007. Academic Search Complete. Web. 20 Apr. 2015
 * 5) "Alzheimer's Foundation of America." Alzheimer's Foundation of America. Web. 11 May 2015.
 * 6) "Simple Computer Test Can Detect Early Signs of Alzheimer's Disease." Nature World News RSS. 20 Sept. 2014. Web. 26 Apr. 2015. .