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https://reasonstobecheerful.world/museum-programs-dementia-patients-care-givers/>
"As soon as the National Museums Scotland curator finished her presentation on
the country’s Jacobite movement, the 14 people in the sun-flooded room erupted
in chatter.
One woman weighed an 18th century-style beret-like bonnet in her hands.
“Heavy,” she commented, to agreement from her neighbor. Others discussed
similarities between Scottish and Irish history. Chuckles arose from yet
another group as they passed around reproductions of a sword and “targe,” a
shield padded with animal hide. “I thought it was a dart board!” one woman
laughed as it caught her eye.
The participants were your typical museumgoers with one slight difference: they
were people with dementia, their caregivers, and others who have connections to
the umbrella of diseases that impact memory and cognitive abilities. Held
monthly in central Edinburgh, each museum social features a different subject
from the institution’s vast collection. Over squares of millionaire’s
shortbread and coffee, the events bring together those whose lives are touched
by dementia –– a growing population.
More and more, researchers who study dementia, which has no cure and very few
treatment options, are studying whether immersion in cultural environments can
be a non-pharmacological option to improve quality of life and mental health.
What they’ve learned is encouraging. Opportunities to delve into history and
art have been found to offer a range of benefits to people with dementia,
including social engagement, cognitive stimulation and improving general
feelings of well-being.
Jane Miller, National Museums Scotland community engagement manager, has
organized socials on science fiction, Roman history and the history of flight.
Participants have joined in quizzes, and handled ancient Egyptian charms and
meteorites. For her, the socials emphasize that a dementia diagnosis need not
hinder people from exploring new interests."
Cheers,
*** Xanni ***
--
mailto:xanni@xanadu.net Andrew Pam
http://xanadu.com.au/ Chief Scientist, Xanadu
https://glasswings.com.au/ Partner, Glass Wings
https://sericyb.com.au/ Manager, Serious Cybernetics
