How art therapy helps patients connect with caregivers

WILMINGTON, N.C. (InvestigateTV) — Some doctors and caregivers are using art to help people with memory loss stay calm, engaged and connected.Research published by the National Library of Medicine shows drawing and painting can sometimes stimulate memories in people with dementia and other neurological diseases.Mother and daughter paint togetherJune Lederle and her daughter, Cathie Lederle, create artwork at a table in their Wilmington home most days. On the day of the interview, Cathie was painting a bottle purple, the color of Alzheimer’s awareness.Before moving in with her mother, Cathie lived in Richmond, Virginia, and had a career in a technical field. June said the first signs that something was wrong appeared in 2019, starting with forgetfulness and then repeating tasks. Cognitive testing later confirmed their fears.Doctors diagnosed Cathie with early-onset Alzheimer’s disease at age 58. Early-onset Alzheimer’s is a rare form of dementia that can affect people in their 40s and 5