Creative Minds
Brain Health and
Dementia Support
Keeping the brain engaged, active and cared for is one of the simplest and most meaningful things we can do, for ourselves, our loved ones, and our community. This page brings together the evidence behind art and brain health, a gentle brain game and support if you or someone you know needs it right now.
This page shares general information and research for educational purposes. Empowering Art for All offers creative wellbeing and sensory art sessions
The Evidence: Art & Health
Art isn't just enjoyable, there's a genuine, growing body of global evidence behind it. In 2019, the World Health Organization released the most comprehensive review of arts and health evidence to date, drawing on over 900 studies and 3,000 further research papers from around the world.
The findings show the arts play a meaningful role in:
Information adapted from the World Health Organization
Preventing illness and promoting wellbeing
Supporting healthy behaviours, child development and reducing risk factors linked to poor health.
Managing and treating health conditions
Including support for people experiencing mental illness and those living with neurodevelopmental and cognitive conditions.
This growing evidence base is part of why creative, sensory art experiences are increasingly recognised as a genuine tool for health and wellbeing, not just a nice-to-have, but a meaningful, evidence-supported way to support people across every stage of life.
Source: Fancourt D, Finn S. What is the evidence on the role of the arts in improving health and well-being? A scoping review. Copenhagen: WHO Regional Office for Europe; 2019 (Health Evidence Network (HEN) synthesis report 67). Licence: CC BY-NC-SA 3.0 IGO. This is an adaptation of WHO material; WHO is not responsible for the content or accuracy of this adaptation.
Try Free Brain Game
A simple memory-matching game to gently exercise memory and concentration. There's no pressure and no score to beat, just a moment of light, enjoyable mental engagement.
Brain Health & Dementia Risk Reduction
Did you know that up to 45% of dementia risk may be linked to factors we can actually influence? While there's no cure for dementia, growing global research shows that everyday lifestyle choices can meaningfully reduce risk or help delay onset.
The World Health Organization's dementia risk reduction guidelines highlight several key areas:
Stay mentally and social engagedCognitive stimulation, learning, creating and engaging the mind, may help reduce risk. Social connection matters too: regular interaction with others, community participation, and staying involved in activities you enjoy can help protect cognitive function as we age.
Physical activity is one of the most consistently supported protective factors. Even everyday movement, walking, gardening or gentle exercise, is linked to a lower risk of cognitive decline.
Good quality, uninterrupted sleep plays an important role in
long-term brain health.
Prioritise sleepKeep MovingReduce modifiable risk factorsAvoiding tobacco, limiting alcohol and managing conditions like high blood pressure all contribute to lowering dementia risk.
Physical activity is one of the most consistently supported protective factors. Even everyday movement, walking, gardening or gentle exercise, is linked to a lower risk of cognitive decline.
Eat wellSource: World Health Organization. Risk reduction of cognitive decline and dementia: WHO guidelines, second edition. Geneva: World Health Organization; 2026. Licence: CC BY-NC-SA 3.0 IGO. This is an adaptation of WHO material; WHO is not responsible for the content or accuracy of this adaptation.
Need Support Right Now?
If you or someone you know is living with dementia, free and confidential support is available:
National Dementia Helpline: 1800 100 500 (24/7, 365 days a year)
Dementia Australia: dementia.org.au — free guides, help sheets, and resources for people living with dementia, families, and carers
How
Empowering
Art for All
Can Help ?
I offer inclusive sensory art and creative wellbeing sessions specifically designed for people living with dementia, supporting cognitive engagement, calm, connection and self-expression, in aged care settings, community groups or one-on-one.
Looking for art sessions for yourself, a loved one, or your facility? I'd love to help. Get in touch to talk about how we can bring meaningful, dementia-friendly art experiences to your home, group, or care setting.