Description
Madori (therapeutic recreation and creative arts therapies, St. Thomas Aquinas College) shows activity directors, therapists, social workers, nurses, nursing assistants, and family members how to use the therapeutic thematic arts programming (TTAP) method with patients with Alzheimer's and other dementias to improve cognitive and psychosocial functioning. The method combines the principles of therapeutic recreation and creative arts therapies into a person-centered approach and uses different forms of creative expression to build on theme-based activities that can be used to improve remaining strengths and abilities, as well as provide emotional and psychological benefits. She reviews Alzheimer's disease and its symptoms and stages, then describes the steps of the method; common communication problems associated with Alzheimer's and how the method addresses them; research on brain physiology and how it processes memory, how to stimulate various regions, and how depression, emotions, and stress can affect memory and cognitive functioning; and how the method relates to research on learning and intelligence, specifically Benjamin Bloom's six levels of learning and Howard Gardner's seven learning styles, and how it stimulates different types of learners. She discusses the role of emotions, imagination, and creativity in stimulating the brain and how the method integrates them in therapy; theories that stress the importance of activities throughout the life span; the theoretical framework of therapeutic recreation; other aging and human development theories that the method integrates; and the need for more research on the effectiveness of therapeutic art and recreation on Alzheimer's. Annotation ©2012 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)
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The brain-stimulating approach known as Therapeutic Thematic Arts Programming (TTAP) has a proven record of improving the lives of people with dementia by increasing their engagement and functioning. In Transcending Dementia through the TTAP Method: A New Psychology of Art, the Brain, and Cognition you now have all the tools and instructions for putting this innovative and life-affirming approach to work in your own care setting. You too can successfully invigorate the minds and hearts of people living with this challenging cognitive disease. Participation in the creative arts has been shown to promote cell growth that enhances the brain’s ability to learn and recall new information, create new ideas, and make new connections. Using 12 separate forms of creative expression — ranging from sculpture and painting to physical movement and mental imagery — TTAP builds on themes in an integrative way that helps each individual with dementia draw upon memories, feelings, and intellectual reserves that promote positive self-regard and active social participation. Sample activity protocols guide you through the process of engagement to help you quickly master the steps. Activities using the TTAP method can provide significant stimulation and integration of multiple brain regions enjoyment, engagement, creativity, relaxation, and a sense of purpose for people with even advanced dementia an easy-to-follow framework that allows infinite variations on themes and personal interests complete documentation for tracking and evaluation opportunities for one-on-one or group programming By blending the principles of art and therapeutic recreation with the latest findings in brain research, Transforming Dementia through Therapeutic Thematic Arts Programming presents an exciting new psychological taxonomy that captures the dynamic interplay between brain functioning and expressive and emotional stimulation.
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