A Pilot Study Using a Virtual Art-Based Intervention to Support Well-Being in Persons With Cognitive Impairment and Their Care-Partners

Abstract

Objectives With aging, interventions promoting emotional well-being and cognitive function become essential, especially for persons with cognitive impairment (PCIs) and their care-partners (CPs). Art-based interventions, specifically Visual Thinking Strategies (VTS), have strong evidence of promoting observational skills and professional identity formation in education settings, yet little work has been done in clinical settings. The recent pandemic presented a unique need and opportunity for PCIs and their CPs to engage in enriching remote experiences. Methods This study piloted a 3-session virtual program using VTS-led facilitated discussion of visual art for three PCI-CP dyads to assess the impact on measures of emotional well-being and self-esteem, and to obtain feedback from participants about their experience. Results Findings indicated that virtual VTS activities for PCI-CP dyads were feasible and well-accepted by both PCIs and CPs. Conclusions Virtual art interventions may have the potential to promote and sustain emotional well-being for PCIs and CPs.

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