Researchers in the University of Kentucky's School of Art and Visual Studies are looking for volunteers to participate in a study gauging the effect of creative arts on people with mild to moderate dementia, as well as their caregivers.
Allan Richards and Ann Christianson are putting together a second round of eight week class sessions this fall through a grant from the U-S Alzheimer's Disease Centers.
"We believe that the visual arts activities, (such as painting, collage, sculpture etc.) are dynamic, enriching, and they engage the cognitive functions, motor skills, emotions, and with this we believe that art activities can slow the progress of cognitive decline," Richards told WUKY.
Christianson said they are currently looking for up to 12 individuals, six with a diagnosis of mild to moderate dementia, and six caregivers, to explore their creativity while also helping the cause of science.
The Saturday or Sunday classes start the weekend of September 10th at the UK Art and Visual Studies Building, at 236 Bolivar Street. Each session will last about 90 minutes. All art supplies are free to study participants and free handicapped accessible parking is available next to the building.
Additional information is available by calling Allan Richards at 859-361-1483, or Ann Christianson at 859-312-4553.