Improving Memory Through Creativity

This book helps facilitators plan activities purposefully to improve mood, memory and socialisation! Design effective creative sessions for adults with complex cognitive needs with a clinical underpinning. The resource addresses materials and techniques, designing sessions parallel to cognitive training to optimise benefits, memory, happiness, social creativity and the brain, cognitive training through self-expression, using art to understand the mind, community collaborations and more.

Online material available for use. 2014.

"This is the book I've been waiting for. With one fell swoop Dr Amanda Pike has answered all the questions I've been asking for over 20 years while developing art programs for older people and observing the remarkable improvement in quality of life as they become absorbed in creative expression. Dr Pike argues her case lucidly and logically. She explores the scientific evidence in depth without overwhelming the reader. An essential handbook for all art facilitators."
Nancy Tingey, Founder and Coordinator of Painting with Parkinson's
Churchill Fellowship project, 1996 - Art as a Therapy for Parkinson's

"Art therapy has often been labelled inaccurately in the health profession as a past-time, “arts and crafts” modality. Amanda Alders Pike's well written and promising book sets the record straight. Improving Memory through Creativity demonstrates how art and science come together, and how creativity is an essential component to neural development. An inspiring book that validates the importance of art, memory and quality of life."
Angel C. Duncan, M.A. MFT, ATR,
Neuropsychiatric Research Center of Southwest Florida,
and Ambassador for the American Art Therapy Association

"This book deals with complex neurological concepts around ageing, cognitive impairment and creativity in a very readable way. The theoretical knowledge Amanda presents from her own research and experience, as well as an overview of current thinking is fascinating. Throughout she shows how information might be practically applied, and makes suggestions of how to use this in therapeutic art sessions with older adults. Rather than a recipe book Amanda's ideas are a springboard, I'm really excited to see where they will take me!"
Sarah Crockett,
Day Care Officer, Activities Provider and author of
Activities for Older People in Care Homes: A Handbook for Successful Activity Planning

"The use of graphs, photographs, charts, art work of participating older people make this book accessible, user friendly and a joy to read."
Angelika Welzel-Connolly