Creative support: Enhancing well-being in mild and moderate cognitive impairment through museum interventions

Background: The global incidence of dementia is increasing, establishing it as a significant cause of disability and diminished quality of life. The World Health Organization underscores the necessity of enhancing the well-being of individuals with dementia and their caregivers. Research has indicated that art-based interventions can improve cognitive functions and overall quality of life. This pilot study aimed to evaluate the impact of a museum-based intervention program on the well-being (quality of life, depression, and mood) of individuals with mild-to-moderate cognitive impairment (MCI-moderate), which may indicate early to moderate stages of dementia that was not formally diagnosed. Methods: We recruited 29 participants with MCI-moderate (median MoCA score: 22). The intervention group consisted of 16 individuals (11 females, 5 males; mean age 83.5 years) who attended sessions at an art museum in Israel every once a week from March to April 2023. Thirteen age-matched individuals formed the control group, which did not participate in the museum program. Measures of well-being were assessed before and after the intervention, along with collecting participants’ feedback. Well-being changes within and between-groups were analyzed using mixed model analysis of variance. Effect sizes were also calculated. Results: The intervention group showed significant improvements in quality of life with large effect sizes in all domains, and a significant reduction in depression symptoms; the control group experienced non-significant changes. Additionally, mood significantly improved following museum activities. Most participants positively reviewed the program, with a significant majority reporting enhanced mood (81.2%) and a strong intention to recommend it (93.7%); 62.5% expressed a desire for future participation. Conclusions: Our findings suggest that art interventions, such as museum programs, can significantly boost well-being in people with MCI-moderate, suggesting further exploration of the specific elements of such programs and their long-lasting effects.