Participation in the creative arts has been shown to promote cell growth that enhances the brain's ability to learn and recall new information, create new ideas, and make new connections. The brain-stimulating approach known as Therapeutic Thematic Arts Programming (the TTAP Method®) has a proven record of improving the lives of people with dementia by increasing their engagement and cognitive functioning. In Transcending Dementia Through the TTAP Method: A New Psychology of Art, Brain, and Cognition, you now have all the tools and instructions for putting this person-centered and life-affirming approach to work in your own care setting;
Using separate forms of creative expression-ranging from sculpture and painting to physical movement and mental imagery through guided meditation-the TTAP Method builds on themes in a structured and integrative way that helps each individual with dementia draw upon memories, feelings, and intellectual reserves to
stimulate and integrate multiple brain regions
provide enjoyment, engagement, creativity, relaxation, and a sense of purpose for people with even advanced dementia
promote positive self-regard and active social participation
improve mood and decrease symptoms of depression
boost memory
encourage the use of language
foster new opportunities to engage in life
This book contains an easy-to-follow framework that allows infinite variations on themes and personal interests and provides tools to document, track, and evaluate the effectiveness of the programming. With suggestions for creating one-on-one or group programming, activity directors, therapists, social workers, nurses, nursing assistants, and even family members can successfully implement these methods.
About the Author viii
Foreword, by Christopher Nadeau ix
Preface xiii
Acknowledgments xvii
Introduction 1
Chapter 1 Overview of Alzheimer's Disease 7
Chapter 2 Overview of the Therapeutic Thematic Arts Programming Method 25
Chapter 3 TTAP Method Programming for People with Alzheimer's Disease 43
Chapter 4 Brain Functioning, Cognition, and the TTAP Method 87
Chapter 5 Using the TTAP Method to Stimulate Cognitive Functioning 103
Chapter 6 Aging and Human Developmental Theories: Understanding and Meeting the Needs of Older Adults, Including Those with Dementia 121
Chapter 7 Documentation and Replication of Research on the TTAP Method 157
Appendix A Program Protocols for the TTAP Method 173
Appendix B TTAP Method Activity Assessment Form 189
Appendix C Sources for Art Supplies and Music 197
Appendix D Graphic Organizing Tools 207
Appendix E Themes in the TTAP Method 215
References 217
Index 233
Overview
Participation in the creative arts has been shown to promote cell growth that enhances the brain's ability to learn and recall new information, create new ideas, and make new connections. The brain-stimulating approach known as Therapeutic Thematic Arts Programming (the TTAP Method®) has a proven record of improving the lives of people with dementia by increasing their engagement and cognitive functioning. In Transcending Dementia Through the TTAP Method: A New Psychology of Art, Brain, and Cognition, you now ...