Art and Alzheimer’s at UVa.

By Carolyn Mooney

Art engages the senses and makes few demands. It is easily appreciated for its own sake. It humanizes. 

That helps explain why more art museums are developing programs for people suffering from Alzheimer’s disease and memory loss. The University of Virginia Art Museum recently began offering its “Eyes on Art” program, a collaboration with the Alzheimer’s Association’s Central and Western Virginia Chapter. Docents trained to deal with Alzheimer’s patients lead them on small-group tours when the museum is closed to the public. The tours, which also include family members and care givers, typically focus on three paintings that encourage discussion and self-expression: “The Lobby” by Willard Franklin Midgette (shown here); “Jerdon’s Courser,” a Frank Stella abstract; and “Our Good Earth,” a World War II poster by John Steuart Curry.

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