Exploration of Possible Changes in Response to Visual Stimuli of Individuals with Dementia
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Author
Olson, Donna
Date
2011
Degree
Master of Arts in Art Therapy
Abstract
This qualitative pilot research study searched for patterns in response to visual stimuli by
persons with dementia. To date, limited information was found in professional art therapy
journals regarding dementia and visual stimuli. The basic question dealt with was “Can there
be relevant changes noted in a person’s response to visual stimuli as dementia stages
progress?” Subjects from a variety of medically diagnosed stages of dementia were followed
for a four week period. A data gathering instrument was developed by the researcher for
observing and analyzing responses for patterns. The visual stimuli consisted of a set of
seasonal photographs of trees (Kiev, n.d., Appendix B) accompanied by a question asking for
the subject’s preference on that particular day. This process was carried out at regular
intervals throughout the time span. The finding of a pattern in this study did point to the
participants’ residual strength rather than focusing on declining abilities.