Art Making ,Memories and the Subconcious Mind

The process of art making is just starting to be understood. We can identify the specific brain regions that are responsible for certain functions however we still don't fully understand how and why art making brings back memories that are hidden in our subconcious.The TTAP Method through a 9 step structure, allows the individiual the opportunity to go within. In Step 2/ Meditation time slows, our body pulse calms down, even our temperature lowers and imagines start to form deep within the minds eye.

The above image was created by a therapist in Finland, who through a meditation

revisited a favorate summer vacation place, deep in the mountains of Finland, far away from work , responsibilities and stresses. After the meditation, the therapist was directed to Step 4/ Sculpture. She proceeded to the art materials and created the sculpture in the above photo in which she recalled the forest beyond the summer lake at the summer cottage she has, deep green growth growing on all the surfaces in the lush woods.

The TTAP Method can be utilized with any population and this coming weekend, June 4th and June 5th, the TTAP Method will be presented at Andrus on Hudson in Hastings on Hudson, NY. Doctors, nurses, therapists and other healthcare professionals will learn how the TTAP Method stimulates all regions of the brain. As a multimodal approach, the method affects individuals on multiple levels including; behaviors, affects, senses and cogniton. The TTAP Method was studied at the Memory and Evaluation Services Center at Cornell University and early findings will be discussed.
Learn more about the TTAP Method at http://www.levinemadoriphd.com/
Keep visiting as this blog is updated weekly.

TTAP Method (TM) proven to Impact Cognition in Two Efficacy Research Studies.

The following is a clip on how the TTAP Method(TM) is utilized to effect memory, language usage, and cognition in those indivdiuals afflicted with this disease. contact

linda @levinemadoriphd.com

TTAP Method Theme Event-STEP 8, at Bergen Regional Medical Center

All of the participants in this program had Alzheimer's Disease and were on a locked unit. Many of them were restricted to wheelchairs and they all moved fairly slow. The one woman featured in this clip was dancing like she was 25 years younger than she was. She was instructing all of the STAC students on how to dance and how to move their hips.

DID YOU KNOW THAT?

The woman shown above is working with a student studing the TTAP Method (TM)

Engagement in deep socialization with others during the art process has now been proven to positively affect cognition and cognitive functioning and Gerotranscendence (Tornstam,2005; Arkin, 2007).The TTAP Method, based on theme centered approach enhances these intimate exchanges of feelings, thoughts and memories.

Students research finds TTAP Method enhances social stimulation and positive psychosocial wellbeing at Bergen Regional Medical Center, NJ

On December 16th, students at St. Thomas Aquinas College presented findings that support earlier research by Levine Madori, 2007; Alders, 2008; Levine Madori, 2009 on the TTAP Method enhancing cognition and social interactions. Students coordinated, planned and implimented weekly 90 minute TTAP Method sessions with those individuals diagnosed with moderate to severe Alzheimer's Disease on a locked unit. The last session, was a party, with Jazz Music from the 1950's playing. The photo's shows residents dancing in beat to the music, enjoying the celebration.

Exploration of Themes as a Way To Connect the Group and Enhancing Therapeutic Interactions

The TTAP Method structures the group process towards a dynamic balance between the needs of the individual, the interaction in the group and the therapeutic goal intergrating the Theme Centered Interaction, (i.e. I, We, It: Balance). Students at HAMK International Summer School started their own exploration of themes as a way to connect the group enhancing therapeutic interactions. Below students are first given the directive to explore the outdoors with the focus of utilizing touch, taste , smell, sight and sound.


In this movie clip, you are witnessing students (with closed eyes), experiencing various collected found natural items, including flowers, branches, leaves, bark, stones, roots, etc. Through this experiential, students are able to explore heightened sense of awareness in the mind-body connection.

Step 3 of the TTAP Method at Bergen Regional Medical Center

Step 4 of the TTAP Method is Drawing/Sculpture, these patients are drawing what they saw in their Meditation (Step 3 of the TTAP Method) as they go back to their long term memory and share their stories.

Exploration of Sensory Stimulation through the TTAP Method

The TTAP Method structures the group process towards a dynamic balance between the needs of the individual, the interaction in the group and the therapeutic goal intergrating the Theme Centered Interaction, (i.e. I, We, It: Balance). Students at HAMK International Summer School started their own exploration of themes as a way to connect the group enhancing therapeutic interactions. Below students are first given the directive to explore the outdoors with the focus of utilizing touch, taste , smell, sight and sound.


In this movie clip, you are witnessing students (with closed eyes), experiencing various collected found natural items, including flowers, branches, leaves, bark, stones, roots, etc. Through this experiential, students are able to explore heightened sense of awareness in the mind-body connection.

DID YOU KNOW?

THE WOMAN IN THE ABOVE PHOTO LIVES ON A LOCKED ALZHEIMER'S UNIT, YET SHE IS FOCUSED AND CONTENT DOING A CREATIVE ART EXPERIENCIAL WITHIN THE TTAP METHOD SESSION. INTERESTING, AS YOU WILL NOTICE SHE IS ACTUALLY PAINTING A PUMPKIN SHE SCULPTED, HER'S IS FLAT DUE TO THE PROGRESSION OF AD ON THE BRAIN FUNCTIONS AND SHE IS USING THE 3D PUMPKIN FOR VISUAL STIMULATION. SHE WORKED FOR OVER 90 MINUTES AND INCREASED HER LEVEL OF CONCENTRATION DURING EACH OF THE 8 WEEK RESEARCH SESSIONS.

The multimodal approach that the TTAP Method™ is based upon, enables individuals to explore textures and materials in a various structured and complex forms, THUS ENHANCING CONCENTRATION ABILITIES. (Levine Madori, 2006,2009).

The group centered approach facilitates Gerotranscendence in the individual’s ability to self identify their strengths through concentration and the act of creativity (Tornstam, 2007).

TTAP Method Q & A cont'd

 16.      How do you link the persons past and individual experiences to their treatment? 


First, I use calm music and ask the person to envision a place that they have been where they feel safe, peaceful or a place that could have been a vacation place. Once a person has an image then you ask the person to speak about what they saw in their mind, then you can ask them to sculpt a part of what was in this mental image. We then link together what is in the long-term memory and use these details and experiences to work into projects, group conversations and ex what is in the long term memory and experiential.  The Arts for Interaction Kits provide a structured art experimental which links these mental images into meaningful art experiences which provide reminiscing abilities.
 

17.      How does music therapy differ from sculpture therapy? 


Music therapy stimulates the right side of the brain while sculpture stimulates the left side of the brain. The question isn’t which is better. They are both equally good. The important issue is to use both sides of your brain. Using and incorporating both is the important element in brain wellness.
 

18.      What comes close to a cure for Alzheimer’s Disease? 


If we delay the onset by one year we would cut the medical cost associated with this disease by 50%. Also I was a guest speaker at the Alzheimer’s Association’s annual research symposium and after all the medical doctors went over the pharmaceutical drugs, and how none are actually making “big” changes, I was astonished that each and every medical doctor made a final statement that research has shown that social stimulation, conversation, sharing ideas interacting, etc. has been shown to have the greatest impact on those affected with the disease.

TTAP Method Q & A cont'd

12.      What happens to us with age, that our ability to unlock our most precious memory wanes? 


Our long-term memory stays with us for most of our lives. It is our short-term memory that is primarily effected by age and cognitive decline. You might forget where you ate dinner last week, but you will remember your kindergarten teacher forever.
 

13.      What are the symptoms of Alzheimer’s? 


In order to identify the symptoms of AD, you must first understand the disease.  AD is caused by the deterioration of brain cells. A characteristic collection of protein-based plaques and tangles accumulates around these cells. The disorder typically progresses through four stages: mild, moderate, severe, and terminal. In the first stage—mild—one experiences mild memory loss, inability to remember short-term events, and difficulty with engaging in prolonged and detailed verbal conversations. In the second stage—moderate—the individual shows signs of continued social withdrawal and significant cognitive impairment; the person moves from independence to dependence with daily living tasks such as dressing, bathing, eating, and shopping for one’s needs. By the end of the disease—severe—there may be incontinence, the inability to walk, very serious confusion, loss of speech, and complete loss of all skills to engage in activities of daily living.
 

14.      You take a holistic approach to managing the symptoms of AD, without the use of medication, aren’t drugs necessary too? 


Early use of drugs has been proven to have a positive effect on cognition, and that said, I do hope a miracle drug is found tomorrow. But even if this were to happen, there still would be five million people who have the disease and are slowly self-isolating if not in daily creative arts programming.



 
15.      How does the Phototherapy Activity Kit work on the TTAP Method website? 


The interactive phototherapy kit comes with 25 pictures on a chosen theme of either sea scapes, gardens, boats, cars flowers, etc. The kit also comes with a CD which covers basic information on why keeping up verbally, and interacting by speaking about an image is essential for good cognitive stimulation. The kit comes with therapeutic questions that one person can ask of the viewer to stimulate conversation. Additionally, the kit comes with a photobook to make your own book of memories from family photos taken over a lifetime.

TTAP Method Q & A cont'd

 8.      Why does the artistic expression, whether through dance, movement, poetry, sculpture, painting, or photography stimulate the brain in a way that helps seniors not just with their cognitive skills, but with their emotional, physical, and social needs? 


Research has shown that individuals, who participate in meaningful activities, have at least four to five close emotional friends or relatives and/or feel a part of something larger then themselves, have, through self-report studies indicated living socially and emotionally more satisfying lives which directly affect the physical well-being, than those individuals who don’t have close support systems, and self-isolate.
 

9.       Can people with a disability or fading memory still derive benefit from your methods?  
Absolutely, the TTAP Method© works primarily with and through long- term memories and long-term memory recall, which is what individuals still retain while suffering from cognitive impairments such as MCI or Alzheimer’s. The TTAP Method© was developed to aid the individual’s strengths and provide fulfilling activities, promoting feelings of self-worth, self-esteem and feelings of accomplishment.
 

10.      What’s included in your perfect sense products? 


Three specific areas compose the perfect sense product line.  For the Therapist, Caregiver, or healthcare provider there are DVD’s which can be purchased with continuing educational credit from New York State.  Secondly, there are DVD’s and CD specifically designed for the Caregiver including Solutions for Stress, lastly Arts for Interactions which are kits including: *Sculpture kit, *Memory box, *Music, meditation and imagery,*Phototherapy interaction kits. There are also interactive puzzles for adults.




11.     How does your clear concise nine-step approach help structure one’s reminiscing ability around the use of personal themes? 


I don’t believe there has ever been a structured approach to the creative art therapies, so each individual step-painting, sculpture, poetry, helps or assists in further exploration of a topic or idea that comes out of any theme.

TTAP Method Q & A cont'd

5.    How do you measure or assess one’s progress as it relates to memory and brain functioning and the implementation of a thematic arts program? 


I am currently developing a research study which would utilize the TTAP method© with individuals who have just been diagnosed with Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI) or Mild Alzheimer’s Disease. These individuals will have pre-cognitive screening before the TTAP intervention. Often times the Mini Mental Status Exam is utilized to assess recall, memory, language and word-recall and processing of information. Then the individual will participate in bi-weekly sessions of the TTAP method©. Participants will be re-evaluated on cognitive functioning after every six months. The scores will then be evaluated and we will analysis if the cognitive scores have remained the same, improved or decreased. I firmly believe that the TTAP method© increases social, emotional and cognitive abilities through social interaction and naturally increases language usage, thus effecting cognition.   




6.      In situations where seniors have challenges in maintaining relationships with others, how do you apply your method in such a way to produce wellness?  


Many people don’t realize that as you get older and lose friends and family, a natural self- isolating behavior occurs. This behavior is heightened and can increase when admitted to an Assisted Living Facility or a Skilled Nursing Facility. The TTAP Method© uses themes such as love, family or cultural themes such as food, clothing and traditions. Each participant has meaningful memories that are shared and rediscovered by starting a conversation about any theme. Objects in everyday life such as sea shells can also enhance the reminiscing abilities thus stimulating the group participants to share detailed information about themselves. This process enables every person to engage in meaningful interactions by sharing memories from the past, thus establishing new connections with individuals who they might not have spoken to previously.  




7.      Can your methods potentially help people delay or avoid the onset of Alzheimer’s? 


Yes, I do believe we will find that continual use of both right and left brain activities through the creative arts therapies will enhance “brain cell reserve” in the hippocampus region of the brain. This increased cell reserve, I believe, could delay or avoid the onset of Alzheimer’s disease. Current research in the growing body of neuroscience research demonstrates that the life experiences and activities that challenge our minds result in continuing positive changes in the human brain in two important ways. First, new synapse or contact points between brain cells are created by activities that are mentally stimulating. Second, and most significant, we also know that new brain cells form in response to behavioral challenge and new life experiences throughout the entire lifespan -- a process once thought to stop at age three. This capacity is called neuro plasticity, the ability of the brain to be modified when challenged.

TTAP Method Q & A

1.      What is the TTAP Method©? 


The method is a structured nine step process utilized in group therapeutic recreation programming for well individuals, published in 2007 by Health Professions Press for those needing some assistance and those in skilled nursing care. It enhances an aging individual’s cognitive abilities, builds their self-esteem, and improves their memory. The process is designed to be person-centered by stimulating reminiscing through themes. These themes can come from the environment, such as weather, culture, seasons, holidays or themes can be personal such as themes of family, love, and relationships. Once a theme is chosen through group discussion (which is the first step) the participants engage in creative arts sessions that involve music, meditation, painting or drawing, sculpture, movement, poetry, food programs, theme events or parties, and phototherapy. Traditionally, group programming does not “link” one activity to the next, which I believe creates a deeper meaning for the participants and therapist.

2.     Why are so many healthcare providers, caregivers, and educators not familiar with all the ways we can encourage brain growth and cognitive functioning in our seniors?  


The neuroscientific research findings are very recent. Up until 2000 we couldn’t even “look” into a living brain. The invention of the CAT and PET scans in 2000 and 2001 gave the medical field great insight into how the brain functions, how Alzheimer’s disease spreads through the brain and what functions are directly affected by the invasion of abnormal plaques and tangles. These medical advances also formed the groundwork of may research studies published after 2001 in which the neuroscientist began to identify how the brain ages, and identified specific areas of the brain function such as the hippocampus and why it is crucial to keep our brains stimulated throughout the life span by the involvement in both right and left brain activities.

3.     With the first 78 million Baby Boomers entering their late stages of life, are we on the brink of an Alzheimer’s epidemic?  


The National Alzheimer’s Association, in April of this year published an article in AARP with a headline that read “10 Million Baby Boomers are expected to be afflicted with AD over the course of their lifetime.”  Statistics indicate that by the year 2010, the oldest of the Baby Boomers will reach 65. The statistic that is truly looking like an epidemic is when in the year 2020, the oldest of the 78 million Baby Boomers will hit the age of 75. This is the age in which many cognitive impairments start to present themselves, such as Mild Cognitive Impairments (MCI) and Alzheimer’s disease, Picks disease, stroke and other vascular problems. Alzheimer’s disease is the fourth leading cause of death following, cancer, heart disease and stroke. AD is one of the most expensive diseases to treat due to the length of the disease process, which currently averages  20 years.

4.     You have made a breakthrough in developing activities for the elderly. How receptive have the field of gerontology and the expressive arts therapy professionals been receptive to your contributions and ideas? 


There are a number of areas within the field of healthcare that has had very positive responses through peer review applications for national organizations. The American Art Therapy Association, The American Therapeutic Recreation Association, The Gerontological Society, The American Society on Aging and Society on Arts in Healthcare all have sponsored training courses and day long seminars on the TTAP Method©. 


The TTAP Method has received numerous awards  including; New York State Therapeutic Recreation Association Distinguished Service Award in 2007.  The New York State Therapeutic Recreation Association most innovative program award, and the New York City METRO award for Special Recognition. Additionally, I have been nominated for the highest award given by the American Therapeutic Recreation Association, The Distinguished Fellow Award for 2008.  To date, the book has been purchased by over 75 university libraries across the United States. Lastly, but most significant, I am a recipient of  two Fulbright Specialist Awards (2007/2009) in Global Health.

DID YOU KNOW?

THE 4TH RESEARCH STUDY FINDS SIGNIFICANT AND POSITIVE CORRELATIONS BETWEEN PARTICIPATION IN THE TTAP METHOD AND SELF PERCEIVED COGNITION.

Movie coming out the end of March on the Cornell Study go to www.ttapmethod.com for more information and to purchase film, which will be featured during the SAH conference in April, 2010

On January 19th, 2009 eight participants who had been recently diagnosed with Alzhiemer's Disease voluntered to be the first clinical study of the TTAP Method (c) on those with early stage AD. These eight individuals received 14 weeks of the TTAP Method every friday for 60 - 90 minutes. The video testimonials of the 8 indivdiuals were presented at Cornell University - Grand Rounds on December 9, 2009. Over 60 medical staff including but not limited to; Therapists, Doctors, Nursing, Administration and support staff
attended the hour long presentation titled The TTAP Method; Enhancing Cognitive and Psychosocial Wellbeing Amoung those Diagnosed with Mild Alzheimer's Disease. All eight participants discussed how the multimodal approach enhanced their self percieved cognitive performances and positive psychological wellbeing at 10 weeks.

As seen below is the audience, which included the Dr. Jordan and Dr. Fonzetti, the Co-Principle Investigators on this study.

One of the 8 individuals will continue participation in weekly TTAP Method sessions during the first 14 weeks of 2010. As of today, there are currently 5 research studies being conducted on the TTAP Method.

DID YOU KNOW? Series for the next month of March

In the above image, a women diagnised with moderate Alzheimer's disese works at drawing and re-creating her house she lived in as a child.

Imagination, creativity and the art process fosters artistic ability which is associated with improved information processing (Furnham & Chamorropremuzic,2004; Chamorro-Remuzic, & Furham,2005).

The individual with AD still has 6 strengths throughout the entire disease process, which have been identified as CCDERS and stand for Communication, Connecting to others, Differentiate, Express, Recall and Self Express (Levine Madori, 2009).

Insight on the Word "Love"

This video was taken during a course on the TTAP Method held in Hämeenlinna, Finland at HAMK University. The students in the class were each given a little heart with the word "LOVE" written on it. They were asked to give it to someone else outside of the class and ask what they thought. This is one of the responses:

DID YOU KNOW THAT?

The TTAP Method is a Multimodal approach - which is defined as a program that addresses behavior, affect, sensation, imagery intrapersonal and interpersonal relationships. This construct was first developed by psychologist, Arnold Lazarus in the 1950's and has been proven to be the most effective approach for the individual diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease.

The following is an image of the specific refions of the brain stimulated through the TTAP Method

Step 2 - Music and Meditation

If you continue to add the other Steps to your programming, such as

Step 3- Drawing and Painting the brain is stimulated further.

KEEP POSTED FOR HOW THE BRAIN IS STIMULATED IN

ALL 9 STEPS OF THE TTAP METHOD!

Therapists learn how to use object relations theory in the TTAP Method

In the movie clip below, you will see how through the TTAP method, professionals personal reflections can be easily recalled, which also has been proven in 7 studies to enhanced the 6 strenghts and abilites of those diagnosed with Alzheimer's Disease THROUGHOUT all phases of the disease.

The TTAP Method utilizes the CCEDRS Approach(c)- the ability to communication, connecting to others, expression of ideas, differenciate likes and dislikes, recall past life experiences and self express.

Did you know?

In the United States alone, 5.3 Million people have Alzheimer's Disease.
Globally about 30.0 Million people have Alzheimer's Disease.
In 2020 the it is estimated that 1 out of every 83 people will have Alzheimer's Disease.