Collage Art Activity in Dementia Care

Collage art is a fun, creative, and highly engaging activity for people living with dementia. Beyond its enjoyable, hands-on nature, creating collages offers opportunities for cognitive stimulation, fine motor exercise, and emotional expression. 

Engaging The Brain 

Collage-making engages multiple brain areas:

• Visual perception: Choosing colors, shapes, and patterns stimulates the visual cortex.

• Fine motor skills & hand-eye coordination: Cutting, tearing, and pasting require precise hand movements.

• Cognitive flexibility: Planning the layout, adjusting designs, and combining textures strengthen executive functions.

• Emotional expression: Collages allow expression of feelings when words are difficult.

• Memory activation: Using familiar images or themes can trigger memories and storytelling.

Getting Started with Collage 

You don’t need to be an artist to enjoy collage-making. Here are simple ways to start:

1. Choose Your Approach

• Abstract patterns: Let colors and shapes guide you without pressure to create a realistic image.

• Draw an outline: Sketch basic shapes or patterns and fill them with different materials.

• Use a ready-made image: Cover a printed image or template with collage pieces for a guided approach.

• Team up: Work with someone else, sharing responsibilities for different elements of the collage.
  
  

2. Gather Materials

• Tissue paper in various colours

• Scissors

• Glue stick

• Sheet of paper or thick card
  
  

3. Start Creating

1. Cut tissue paper into shapes - triangles, squares, or any design you like.

2. Organize the pieces in a plate or small container for easy access.

3. Apply glue to one side and stick pieces onto the paper, smoothing out bubbles.

4. Layer and overlap pieces to create interlocking shapes and a vibrant abstract design.
   
   

4. Expand Creativity

• Decorate objects around the home, such as picture frames, scrapbook covers, or memory boxes.

• Experiment with different shapes, colours, and textures to create unique, personal designs.

Strengthening the Brain 

Every step of collage-making - cutting, arranging, layering, and reflecting on the design - activates cognitive, motor, and emotional pathways in the brain. This activity helps maintain executive function, attention, and emotional regulation, all while offering a joyful and satisfying creative outlet.