The transformative power of creativity can be a balm for both individuals living with cognitive impairment and their caregivers. For caregivers, engaging in artistic endeavors provides a much-needed respite from the demands of caregiving, offering a chance to relax, recharge, and reconnect with their own creative spirit. This self-care is essential to prevent burnout and maintain overall well-being.

For the person with cognitive impairment, creative expression offers a unique avenue for communication, stimulation, and joy. Activities such as painting, music, or dance can help to reduce anxiety, improve mood, and maintain a sense of purpose. These creative pursuits also provide opportunities for social interaction and shared experiences, fostering a deeper connection between the caregiver and the individual they support. By working collaboratively on creative projects,both parties can experience a sense of accomplishment and shared satisfaction.

Our Guest: Mary Crescenzo

Mary Crescenzo is one of five 2022 Individual Winners of the Maude’s Awards for Innovation in Dementia Care. She is an arts strategist/practitioner, master teaching artist, and mult-hyphenate creative whose work as an author spans genre of nonfiction, fiction, essay, reviews, and poetry in both commercial and literary markets, and as blogger and broadcaster. In the realm of theatre, she is playwright of Planet A, director, and actor. Her play, Planet A, is about the good, bad and ugly terrain of Alzheimer’s/dementia. In the world of music, Mary is a Jazz singer, lyricist and librettist and founder of MC3 - a Jazz trio. And this is just the beginning of her list of talents!

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Related Episodes:

Happy Hearts: Music Therapy for Dementia Care

Connections through Art

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