The Memphis Brooks Museum of Art is pleased to report successful results in reaching those afflicted with Alzheimer’s disease through the museum’s art therapy program Piece of Mind.

This pioneer program is an Alzheimer’s outreach program that incorporates interactive tours and art therapy. Art therapy programs engage the minds of those affected by dementia, improving the quality of life for Alzheimer’s patients, and increasing self-esteem.

Piece of Mind was modeled on the highly acclaimed Meet Me at MOMA developed by the Museum of Modern Art in New York. Building on this idea, the Brooks also added corresponding art making sessions with a trained art therapist, and is currently the only art museum in the country to offer these two components in tandem.

This unique program benefits individuals in the early to middle stages of the degenerative disease, along with their family members and caregivers.

According to the Alzheimer’s Association, as many as 5.3 million people in the United States are living with Alzheimer’s, a disease characterized by memory loss for which there is no known cure. While art therapy programs cannot stop the effects of the disease, they are valuable therapeutic tools in engaging the minds of those affected by dementia, improving the quality of life for Alzheimer’s patients, and increasing self-esteem. As the Alzheimer’s Association states, the value of art therapy lies “in the creative process of making the art and expressing feelings and emotions trapped inside. The ensuing sense of accomplishment brings renewed joy and self-respect to the patient.”

Karleen Gardner, the Brooks’ Curator of Education explains, “In this program you often see people opening up and, as their caregivers tell us, expressing themselves in ways they couldn’t usually. While they may not be able to access a specific memory, some paintings can evoke powerful feelings from their past.”

During interactive gallery tours at the Brooks, specially trained museum docents highlight themes, artists, and special exhibitions, encouraging close inspection, personal connections, and group discussion. Tours are followed by related hands-on art projects in the studio with a trained art therapist. The Piece of Mind program is conducted during non-public hours, thus providing a safe, comfortable environment to give those living with Alzheimer’s an expressive outlet and a forum for dialogue.

Piece of Mind is sponsored by Baptist Memorial Health Care, regarded as one of the premier health care systems in the nation, dedicated to providing compassionate, high-quality care for patients. “It is our privilege to support such a wonderful and important program,” said Scott Fountain, senior vice president and chief development officer for Baptist. “Our colleagues treat many Alzheimer’s patients, so we see firsthand the effect it has on patients and their loved ones. We hope this program helps them and anyone else who has been affected by the disease.”

For a complete tour schedule or to make reservations, please visit www.brooksmuseum.org.

Articles you might like:

• Anti-Aging Skin Products - Don't Choose to Look Your Actual Age!
• Sleeping Disorders
• Long Term Insurance - Get it While You Can
• Alzheimer's Care
• Symptoms For Insomnia