Art therapy can be helpful for people experiencing dementia and neurological illness. It offers a different way of communicating and is not solely reliant on words. Art therapy can also be adapted to meet the physical challenges that individuals experiencing dementia and neurological illness face.

The act of creating a mark, image, or object can help to build confidence, self-esteem, and a sense of empowerment. The use of colour, shape, texture, movement, and form can also stimulate different parts of the brain helping to sustain and support cognitive functioning.

Art therapy can improve an individual’s quality of life offering a different route to communicating thoughts, feelings, and experiences. Art therapy can also stimulate memories and be a medium for social connection with others.