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DIA Launches Program For Alzheimer's Patients

DETROIT (WWJ) - Can art change the life of an Alzheimer's patient? That's the hope of a pilot program starting Thursday at the Detroit Institute of Arts.

The museum is launching the program for those suffering from the early stages of Alzheimer's and dementia. The patients will get a tour of the galleries, lunch in the Kresge court and a chance to make their own art. Program Manger Susan Troia says art can bring the patients out of their shells.

"When they're sitting isolated at home and don't have that visual, they tend to not speak very much. And because we have all this visual stimulation and these things that look familiar or even are interesting visually, they're going to want to talk about it and that gets that talking and that dialogue going again. So art, it works for just about everything," says Troia.

Also, Troia adds that art can break through the patient's isolation. "It can be a image of an early American home, for instance, and they'll remember something and start talking about that. And for those living with Alzheimer's, and specifically for those with memory loss, it's that connection and that visual that provides that," she says. Troia says its hoped the program will help caregivers to connect with their patients and others as well.

The program is put together with the help of the Michigan Alzheimer's Association.

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