{"id":1085,"date":"2015-11-30T12:34:56","date_gmt":"2015-11-30T18:34:56","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.maryville.edu\/mpress\/?p=1085"},"modified":"2016-06-27T14:34:12","modified_gmt":"2016-06-27T19:34:12","slug":"opening-minds-through-art_maryville-university-walker-college-of-health-professions","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.maryville.edu\/mpress\/opening-minds-through-art_maryville-university-walker-college-of-health-professions\/","title":{"rendered":"Tapping the Mind’s Eye"},"content":{"rendered":"

Reading time: 2 minutes<\/em><\/span><\/p>\n

On most Wednesday mornings, a small group gathers in Ä¢¹½´«Ã½’s Walker Hall to make art, chat, and drink coffee. While their creative pieces are unique, these artists have one thing in common: they all have Alzheimer\u2019s disease.<\/p>\n

Participants are part of the Opening Minds Through Art (OMA) program, held in partnership with the occupational therapy and rehabilitation therapy programs in Ä¢¹½´«Ã½\u2019s Walker College of Health Professions<\/a>, and the Alzheimer\u2019s Association<\/a>, St. Louis chapter. Although the fall session has ended, the program begins again in February 2016. \"OMATherapy.B.1\"<\/a><\/p>\n

An exhibit of works created in the Opening Minds Through Art program during the fall session will be held from 6-7:30 p.m. on Wednesday, Dec. 9, in the second floor foyer of Walker Hall. The show is free and open to the public.<\/strong><\/p>\n

Ashlyn Cunningham, OTR\/L, assistant professor of occupational therapy<\/a>, facilitates the program. Cunningham has pursued research of mental health issues and older adults for the past five years. It\u2019s important to understand that people with dementia still have abilities, even if they can\u2019t remember things, she says. \u201cThey\u2019re still people,\u201d Cunningham says. \u201cThey can still socialize and relate.”<\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s about the relationship aspect, and the one on one time with a college student. Being able to create something unique is fulfilling.\u201d<\/span><\/p><\/blockquote>\n

Each week, participants pair with student volunteers to create something. Usually the works involve paint and paper. All of the projects are abstract and failure free.<\/span><\/p>\n

\"OMATherapy.B.2\"<\/a>The program is beneficial to participants in a number of key ways. \u201cIt\u2019s about the relationship aspect, and the one on one time with a college student,\u201d says Cunningham. \u201cAlso, being able to create something unique is fulfilling.\u201d Clients are often surprised by what they are capable of doing and making, she says.<\/p>\n

The clients\u2019 families\u2014spouses in particular\u2014benefit from the program, as well. \u201cThey love how much happiness it brings their loved one, but it also gives them an opportunity to connect with one another,\u201d Cunningham says. \u201cAlthough many are involved with the Alzheimer\u2019s Association support groups already, the Opening Minds Through Art program allows a time for respite, conversation, and unstructured peer-to-peer caregiver support.”<\/p>\n

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