Art Therapy to Improve the Relationship Between Caregivers and Spouses with Alzheimer's Disease

Research investigated the effectiveness of an art therapy intervention based on the conversational model in improving the quality of the relationship in a caregiving dyad. Caregiving dyads were composed of spousal caregivers and spouses with mild to moderate Alzheimer's Disease. The research included two consecutive single-subject case studies. Reports of positive interactions by caregivers throughout the study were used to determine the effectiveness of the art therapy intervention. Additionally, a pretest and posttest were used to further record changes in the quality of the couple's relationship. Art therapy interventions were conducted in home-based settings and encouraged visual conversation in couples. Art directives involved in intervention included a scribble chase, salt dough, and art card directive. It was found that both couples valued art therapy interventions for providing recreation and socialization. It was also found that couple dynamics influenced how positively each directive was viewed. The couple from the study valuing more equality in their relationship viewed interventions more positively that increased equality in interaction. Overall, art therapy based on the conversational model was found to be an effective intervention tool in two case studies involving spousal caregivers and individuals with Alzheimer's Disease in increasing positive interactions.