Your loved one may be a budding “Grandma Moses.” Anna Mary Robertson (Moses), also known as “Grandma Moses,” began creating art in her late 70s. She was completely self-taught. Anna lost her husband, Thomas Moses, and suffered a great loss. She sought ways to keep busy and overcome her grief. Art was the answer for her.

It may also be the answer for patients with Alzheimer’s disease. Alzheimer’s is a progressive disease that affects the brain in a predictable way. It begins in the hippocampus, the area of the brain responsible for creating memories from experiences. From there it moves to the front of the brain, where language is processed and executive functions like decision making are formulated. Next, it moves to the logic center, where problem solving and planning are controlled. Emotions and creativity remain viable for a much longer time.

Studies have shown that art is a wonderful therapy for patients with any type of dementia. “We would

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