EP #1166: Alzheimer's Self-Care: Exploring Art Together

Send us a text Lisa is joined by author Mary Crescenzo who is a recipient of the 2022 Maude's Award for Innovation in Dementia Care to talk about her book, The Planet Alzheimer's Guide: 8 Ways the Arts Can Transform the Life of Your Loved One and Your Own.Mary is a pioneer since 1994 in the field of arts engagement with person's with Alzheimer's/Dementia as well as with all older adults, and a master teaching artist in her area of expertise. Her book, The Planet Alzheimer's Guide: 8 Ways the Arts Can Transform the Life of Your Loved One and your Own, and her public speaking engagements and presentations, illustrate how the arts can bring joy and dignity to both those with this disease and their care partners. In the words of the author, “Let the creative spirits soar!” Her public speaking and arts advocacy focuses on the benefits of engaging in the arts by those with Alzheimer’s and other dementias and people of all ages. She is also an award-winning writer and playwright. Planet A, Mary's play based on her experiences as a teaching artist, sheds light on the inner world of Alzheimer's and the candid voices of people with this disorder and those who care for them. She recently staged Planet A as a successful fundraiser for the Alzheimer's Association's "The Longest Day" and was awarded the status of "Solstice Champion" for her fundraising campaign. Mary is a member of AlzAuthors.Book Description: The Planet Alzheimer's Guide: 8 Ways the Arts Can Transform the Life of Your Loved One and Your Own If the ability to connect and communicate with your loved one has diminished, this how-to book offers step-by-step alternative ways to creatively engage and interact through arts activities, so you can share quality time together with this person whom you love. Even if you’ve never tried to paint, sing, dance, tell a story, read or write a poem, this easy-to-use guide will show you how to discover the richest relationship experience possible through simple ways of acknowledging the creative spirit that is in all of us, even in those with Alzheimer's or Dementia. If you are thinking, my loved one (or I) can’t do this, consider the possibility before closing the door to what can be an experience like no other. By letting go of traditional means of interacting, you will discover unconventional ways to spend time with this person in your life through creative yet dignified shared experiences. My decades of successfully working through arts engagement with persons with Alzheimer's or Dementia has led me to write this book so you, too, can find that place between you and your loved one where the creative spirit emerges and extraordinary connections begin. This book includes: Preface: How I Entered the World of Planet Alzheimer’s – My Path to This Guidebook, Introduction: What is Arts & Alzheimer’s? A Key to Communication that Anyone Can Explore, Painting and Drawing on Memories, Language of Music and Movement: Songs, Sing-Alongs, & Instrumental Music, The 4 R’s: Rhyme, Rhythm, Recitation, Recall - Poetry and Storytelling, A Picture’s Worth a Thousand Words: Photos, Art Books and Visits to Museums, Engaging Family and Friends of All Ages: An Intergenerational Approach, All Together Now: Including Support and Medical Staff in the Arts Experience, Displaying and Celebrating Art - Creations by Those with Alzheimer's or Dementia, Caring for Yourself Through Art While Caring for Your Loved One, Epilogue, More Photos of Paintings, Drawings, and Arts Activities. This illustrated guide contains numerous color photos of images of artwork created by people with Alzheimer's or Dementia. You’ll also see many color photos of these artists at work on their own, with my guidance, and photos of their work on exhibition.