Visual art therapy for cognitive and emotional enhancement in aging and dementia: A structured narrative review

Visual art therapy is an emerging non-pharmacological intervention that integrates mental health and human services to enhance cognitive functions. It has shown promising results in supporting cognitive performance among healthy elderly individuals, those with mild cognitive impairment (MCI), and individuals with mild to moderate dementia, particularly Alzheimer's disease (AD). Given the limitations of current pharmacological treatments for dementia, visual art therapy presents an accessible, engaging alternative that fosters cognitive, sensory, and emotional stimulation-potentially contributing to neuroplastic changes in the aging brain. Here, we review recent applications of visual art therapy for these populations, particularly focusing on AD. The review highlights the significant impact of visual art therapy on cognitive function, summarizing the main approaches used and exploring mechanisms of cognitive enhancement, which may involve alterations in brain structure, neuroplasticity, and the promotion of sensory system neuroplasticity, particularly in audition and vision. It also discusses enhancements in functional connectivity within the default mode network. Future research should investigate optimal art therapy methods, scientific evaluation and quantitative analysis, explore integration with other non-pharmacological interventions, and pursue interdisciplinary investigation of art therapy mechanisms through neuroimaging. This review offers new insights into the empirical evidence supporting the use of visual art therapy for improving cognitive function in both healthy elderly individuals and dementia patients, explores potential neurobiological mechanisms underlying its cognitive benefits, and identifies current gaps and future directions for interdisciplinary research and clinical application, thereby fostering further research and application to address cognitive decline.