Creative support: Enhancing well-being in mild and moderate cognitive impairment through museum interventions

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Gerontology
• Psychiatry

Background:

• Global dementia incidence is rising, increasing disability and reducing quality of life.
• Art-based interventions show promise for improving cognitive function and well-being.
• Museum programs offer a unique setting for art-based interventions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the impact of a museum-based intervention on the well-being of individuals with mild-to-moderate cognitive impairment (MCI-moderate).
• To assess changes in quality of life, depression, and mood.
• To gather participant feedback on the program's effectiveness.

Main Methods:

• Pilot study with 29 participants diagnosed with MCI-moderate (median MoCA score: 22).
• Intervention group (n=16) attended weekly art museum sessions; control group (n=13) did not.
• Well-being measures (quality of life, depression, mood) assessed pre- and post-intervention; mixed model ANOVA used for analysis.

Main Results:

• Intervention group showed significant improvements in quality of life across all domains with large effect sizes.
• Significant reduction in depression symptoms and significant mood improvement observed in the intervention group.
• Control group showed non-significant changes; participants reported high satisfaction and intention to recommend the program.

Conclusions:

• Museum-based art interventions can significantly enhance the well-being of individuals with MCI-moderate.
• Art programs offer a viable non-pharmacological approach to support cognitive health.
• Further research is warranted to explore program elements and long-term effects.