A Systematic Review on the Effectiveness of Participatory Arts in Improving Cognition, Mood, and Psychological Well-Being in Older Adults

Abstract

Objective: To conduct a systematic review of the efficacy participatory arts interventions on cognition, mood, and wellbeing in older adults with or without dementia. This study aims to provide insight on the potential benefits of different art forms on multiple mental health outcome domains to inform future application and intervention design. Design: Systematic review on randomized controlled trials and quasi-experiments of the effects of participatory arts on cognitive, mood, or psychological well-being in older adults (defined as age >60 yeas) with or without dementia. Method: We searched PsycINFO, PubMed, SpringerLink, JSTORE, Frontier, SAGE, Taylor and Francis, and Science Direct and identified 1,087 papers. A total of 20 studies were fulfilling our criteria were included in the analysis. Results: A wide range of participatory arts forms have been studied with different intervention design and outcome measurements. Dance appeared to improve attention and reaction. Theatre arts may benefit language-related word recall, reaction, and problem solving. Music showed an impact on memory and reaction. Participatory arts in general appeared to improve mood, although their effects on general psychological wellbeing is less robust. Conclusion: Participatory arts improve mood in older adults with or without dementia. Different art forms may have different cognitive benefits, possibly delivered through different mechanisms of change. These findings can be further developed into research studies and practices of targeted participatory arts interventions.