I Have Dementia, I Can Help!

Abstract

The treatment of dementia has been a matter of concern among health workers, researchers, designers, and art therapists over the world. Though the Ghana Statistical service does not acknowledge dementia as a disability, the disease cannot be swept under the carpet pretending it does not exist. Thus, the aim of this paper is to adapt design interventions involving persons living with dementia to help break the cycle of shame, opinions, attitudes, and ways-of-doing, in involving people living with dementia in Ghana. The paper also proposes a dimension on using visual arts in the form of art therapy as an approach with relevant evidence as an intervention in other countries. Additionally, the paper deliberates on the need for collaborations between government, NGOs and stakeholders for the development of appropriate infrastructure as well as the implementation of policies and art interventions to support persons living with dementia.

Keywords: dementia, art therapy, art interventions, policies

DOI: 10.7176/ADS/98-01

Publication date: January 31^st 2022