Notable: The Impact of Music and Arts Engagement on Well-being and Quality of Life

Dementia is a growing public health concern around the world.  Current strategies to address dementia have focused largely on cure with little success. Fears associated with a dementia diagnosis make the idea of living well with dementia seem implausible.  Yet arts-based approaches to dementia offer a strengths-based model that shifts attention from disease-related deficits and losses towards the ways in which imagination and creativity offer new means of expression and positive experience.  Importantly, the social interactions with others when engaging in a creative activity reintroduce joy, build trust and foster friendships. The social connections that result are important because dementia stigma increases risk for social isolation and loneliness and is a significant barrier to living well with dementia.  Currently here are few dementia inclusive opportunities in communities to participate in arts, social and recreational activities that support well-being and quality of life. Intergenerational programs are particularly effective in building empathy and understanding about dementia. Our research findings indicate that participation in  music and arts programs can improve psychosocial well-being and quality of life for persons with dementia and their care partners. The discussion focuses on the need for inclusive community-based music and arts programs for people living with dementia and their care partners.