Improving Independence in People with Dementia

The loss of independence in daily tasks severely impacts self-efficacy in people with dementia. Partnering with Roseleaf Gardens and Amber Grove Place, we designed an artistic painting intervention specifically structured to leverage participants' spared creative capacities and procedural memory.

The program demonstrated significant gains in independence during the activity, particularly for individuals in the severe stage of dementia. The intervention's success was disseminated through a peer-reviewed article, media coverage, and international museum exhibitions, leading to its continuation by Roseleaf Gardens and adoption by major organizations like CEAFA.

Note. Abstract artwork from a participant.

Project Overview

Duration: 4 months (design, implementation, and initial report).
Role: Eduardo González led the intervention design, research design and the data analysis.
Team: 7 researchers across California State University Chico and the University of Salamanca, and 2 art professors.
Key Tools: SPSS (for data analysis), Videopad (for edition of observation videos).
Project Goal: To explore the practice and spacing-of-practice effects in people living with dementia during an artistic painting activity.
Methods: Quasi-experimental study where we conducted systematic video observation of participants' first and fourth sessions, coding for independence, engagement, and well-being.

Read Article

Achieving Rigor in Naturalistic Research

Bar graph displaying the percentage of participants receiving constant directions, kinesthetic directions, and verbal or visual directions.

Note. These results were interpreted only after statistically controlling for facilitator variability.

A main challenge was balancing scientific rigor with program efficacy. Strict protocols can stifle natural interactions and the motivational opportunities they create. However, unstructured interactions introduce bias: are gains due to skill improvement or simply extra assistance?

To resolve this, instructors followed a semi-structured protocol, prioritizing verbal cues over physical guidance to balance natural flexibility with learning optimization. Furthermore, we employed statistical control for variability in instructor assistance.

Considering Social Visibility as an Outcome

The potential for independence and creativity in people living with dementia is systematically underestimated due to inaccurate perceptions from the public, caregivers, and the individuals themselves. This overestimation of incapacity restricts their activities.

To challenge this stigma and raise awareness of their capabilities, we organized exhibitions in museums internationally, including the Museum of Northern California Art, and collaborated with media to disseminate the results.