Dementia is one of the largest health and social challenges facing Australia and the world and at the time of writing, there is no definitive, accessible disease-modifying treatment or ‘cure’ for the condition.

Results of successive surveys show that a third of Australians (32%) find people living with dementia frightening, an increase from 23 per cent of participants a decade ago. Survey findings also revealed that 80 per cent of carers and family members believed that people living with dementia were treated differently in the community. These results reflect an ongoing lack of awareness and understanding about dementia, and how to respond appropriately to someone living with the condition.

The limited community understanding and lack of insight into the lived experience of dementia can lead to stigma and discrimination, which can have real and distressing repercussions for people living with dementia, their families and carers. People may avoid social interaction and be discouraged from seeking critical medical and social services and support, resulting in increasing social isolation, reduced wellbeing and poor quality of life.

Key points:

• Engaging people living with dementia in the creative arts can improve their wellbeing by providing a range of benefits, including cognitive and physical stimulation, social engagement, creative expression, and a sense of identity and purpose.
• Engagement can take many forms, but active or participatory engagement, including collaborative and co-designing approaches to arts activities, provides tangible benefits for wellbeing.
• Carers and family members also benefit through their own involvement in arts-based activities and the improved wellbeing and quality of life of the person they are supporting.