Art Links, a program offered by Alzheimer's Resource of Alaska (ARA), encourages creativity, promotes social connection, and provides individuals at all stages of their dementia journey with meaningful opportunities to express themselves and share memories with one another and their care partners. This program is offered monthly in person at our Anchorage office, twice a month at our Mat-Su office, and once a month online, making it widely accessible to participants across Alaska. On Aug. 22, we were honored to welcome the Kenaitze Indian Tribe's Elder Program-represented by Bobbie Carle (Elders Manager), Tina Svec, Elizabeth Solie, Kendra Charlie, and April Oglend-to our Mat-Su office. Together, they enjoyed designing quilt squares using fabric markers to depict Alaskan berries and flowers. These squares, along with others created in future Art Links sessions, will be assembled into a quilt to be auctioned at ARA's Amblin' for Alzheimer's Walk on May 2. During their visit, the team also had the opportunity to speak with Janice Downing, ARA Education Specialist and Art Links facilitator, about additional creative ideas to bring back to their program, as well as with Megan Peratrovich, ARA's Rural Outreach Specialist, to begin exploring ways Alzheimer's Resource of Alaska can support their community efforts in the future.
Growing older doesn't mean slowing down creatively-and for those living with Alzheimer's and related dementias, the creative arts, and specifically the Art Links program offered by Alzheimer's Resource Alaska (ARA), can be a lifeline for memory, connection, and joy. Research consistently shows that engaging in creative activities can significantly improve health outcomes for older adults, while also supporting cognitive function in people at risk for or living with memory loss.
A landmark 2006 study led by Dr. Gene Cohen at George Washington University, called The Creativity and Aging Study, found that seniors participating in arts programs reported fewer doctor visits, less medication use, better physical health, and higher morale compared to non-participants. For those with Alzheimer's or related dementias, art can also provide a safe, non-verbal way to communicate, triggering long-term memories even when short-term recall is impaired. The National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) reports that creative activities help reduce depression and loneliness while enhancing memory, attention, and emotional resilience-all essential for brain health.
Art Links, a program at Alzheimer's Resource Alaska (ARA), puts these findings into action. In each session, participants explore accessible art forms-from painting and collage to storytelling-while connecting with peers in a supportive, social setting. Activities are adapted so everyone can participate, regardless of physical ability, cognitive changes, or experience level. For individuals living with dementia, the focus is on process rather than product-enjoying the moment, engaging the senses, and fostering a sense of accomplishment, connection, and community.
The benefits go far beyond the canvas. Creative work stimulates neural pathways and promotes neuroplasticity-the brain's ability to form new connections-which is vital in slowing cognitive decline. Studies have shown that older adults in regular arts programs demonstrate better problem-solving skills, improved mood, and greater resilience. For people living with Alzheimer's and related dementias, these benefits can translate into more meaningful interactions with loved ones, a stronger sense of identity, and moments of joy in daily life.
Art Links at ARA proves that creativity is ageless-and for Alaska's seniors, especially those facing memory challenges, making art together can be a powerful tool for healthy and joyful aging. By blending proven research with hands-on practice, the program offers not only a creative outlet but also a measurable boost to emotional, cognitive, and social well-being.
Schedule for Art Links at Alzheimer's Resource Alaska:
Anchorage Office: First Friday of the month, 11 a.m.–noon.
October date: Friday, Oct. 3
Mat-Su Office: Second and fourth Fridays of the month, 1–2 p.m.
October dates: Friday, Oct. 10 and Friday, Oct. 24
No registration is required, just drop in and create!
For more information, call 907-561-3313. www.AlzAlaska.org
Lisa Sauder is the CEO of Alzheimer's Resource of Alaska.
