Program Reopens World Of Art To Early Stage Alzheimer's Patients
DENVER (CBS4) - A unique program from the Alzheimer's Association and the Denver Art Museum is reaching out to a part of the public often underserved by the arts.
People with Alzheimer's and their caregivers tour the exhibits. They also discuss what they see and become involved with the art.
CBS4 Critic at Large Greg Moody went along on a recent tour.
"We never lose our need for the arts. They touch the heart -- enliven the spirit -- engage the mind in all the stages of our lives," Moody said. "With one notable difference -- this is 'Art and About' -- a special program between the Alzheimer's Association and the Denver Art Museum."
The program reopens the world of art to those with early stage Alzheimer's.
"'Art and About' is a program that began originally at the Museum of Modern Art in New York City where they realized that people who had early stage Alzheimer's disease could benefit just like any of us can from continuing to be involved in the arts and humanities," said Ken Helander, MA, with the Early Stage Services of the Alzheimer's Association.
The timing of the tours and the exhibits are carefully chosen by the association and the museum to provide a quiet atmosphere without confusion where visitors can sit, contemplate and discuss the art around them.
At the end of the tour both patients and caregivers walk away with a greater sense of community.
"Very often people who experience Alzheimer's disease feel like they have a stigma about them," Helander said. "But here they are experiencing something that all of us who live in Denver appreciate and can relate to. So they feel very much part of a larger community."
"Though we don't always realize it, art is and will always be a part of our lives. It touches our heart, it touches our soul, it touches our mind," Moody said. "It stays with us, encouraging us, increasing our view no matter what our situation in life."
CBS4 SPONSORED EVENT: The Walk to End Alzheimer's on Saturday, Sept. 17
LINK: denverartmuseum.org
- Greg Moody is CBS4's Critic At Large. His reports on CBS4 News at 4 and 6 p.m. are featured on the CBSDenver.com Entertainment section.
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