LAS VEGAS (FOX5) — The Lou Ruvo Center for Brain Health is offering a free, 8-week exploration art class for people living with dementia. Opening Minds through Art (OMA) is an award-winning, evidence-based program. It’s an opportunity for creative self-expression and social engagement.
Laura Berger and her mother, Rosemarie, are taking part in the program this summer. It’s a place where creativity and healing come together.
“She loves music and could play the piano. She loves doing any kind of mind and hand coordination. That’s what opens up her brain with Alzheimer’s,” Laura Berger said.
Rosemarie has been living with the disease for the past three years.
“She gets completely involved with the care partner that they suited her up with, and I actually kind of walk out and leave her be, and she stays focused on her art projects,” she said.
Each adult is paired with a trained volunteer who provides guidance during the art-making process.
“I was really curious about it because my grandpa has Alzheimer’s, so I wanted to figure out how to help, how to learn about the disease in general,” Liv Etzyoni, a volunteer said. “It’s just been so amazing how it opens up the brain to people you know.”
The class was developed by the Scripps Gerontology Center at Miami University.
“We know, or research has shown us, that one of the six pillars of brain health is social interaction and social engagement. It’s what keeps all the pistons firing and so this is a opportunity for the social engagement,” Verla Niebuhr, education program manager at Lou Ruvo center said.
The program is free and open to anyone who is living with cognitive impairment. The last class will be held August 5th.
In September, the center will have an art show where all of the artists will have their pieces displayed.
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