Journal of Alzheimers Disease & Parkinsonism
Open Access

Abstract

People with Parkinson�s disease (PD) benefit from engaging in activities that promote creativity, relaxation and positivity. The Art Cart�s Smile Trough Art Workshop is specifically designed to help those with PD explore their creativity by targeting areas that are unique to this population. Our program includes modified equipment (easels, paint brushes, palates, etc.) which has shown to meet the needs of PD participants more successfully than traditional art equipment. For the workshops we design activities that will help this population combat the symptoms of PD such as tremors, rigidity of limbs, micrographia and loss of fine motor control. While our paint dries, we encourage our participants to follow along and participate in exercises that encourage strengthening of fine motor movement. After the culmination of each workshop, participants have the opportunity to provide their feedback regarding the impact the art workshop had on them through a survey. As anticipated, those with PD who participated in our Smile Through Art Workshop left with a heightened level of mood and an increased interest in exploring their creativity. Thus far, 12 workshops have been programmed for the PD population in Massachusetts, targeting a total of 26 participants. Nine (9) of the 12 workshops were offered through a continuous weekend program. Thus, it is believed that engaging in art and promoting a healthy environment is beneficial and leaves those with PD and their caregivers with a heightened quality of life.

Biography

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