LIGHT AND DEATH - ART-THERAPY WITH A PATIENT WITH ALZHEIMERS-DISEASE

This paper is a case study of art therapy with a man with Alzheimer's Disease who attended a weekly group at a day care center. Although his speech was difficult to understand, and he was unwilling to participa te in group activities on his arrival, the patient eventually engaged in cooperative drawing. Responding to the therapist's request, the pat ient would connect several dots the therapist drew on a page, making c omplex creatures that symbolized his fears and anxieties. The patient also used this process at home to reduce distress and aggression.