[Drama and music workshops for elderly people with cognitive impairment: mixed analysis].

Abstract

Neurocognitive disorders are a major public health challenge but medications' effectiveness for this disease are limited and have been poorly documented. In the same time, non-medicinal support for older adults living with neurocognitive disorders are beginning to develop but remain few in number. This lack of support can lead to social isolation. Artistic activities, such as theatre and music, are being developed to help combat this isolation. Few studies have looked at the link between regular participation in these workshops and the extent to which social ties are forged. The aim of this study was to explore the relationship between social ties and participation in these workshops among elderly people with neurocognitive disorders living in institutions. Eighteen older adults were separated into two groups, the theatre group (experimental groupe) and the music group (control group). They self-assessed their anxiodepressive symptoms, feelings of loneliness, social provision and recognition orientation before and after taking part in the workshops. The two workshops took place over a period of 6 weeks at the rate of one workshop per week. The links highlighted by this study suggest that theatre workshops have an effect on the social ties of elderly people with mild to moderate neurocognitive impairment. This study provides clues as to how to set up non-medicinal mediation for older adults with these disorders.