Sarah Fox, Jennie Davies, Robyn Dowlen, John Keady, James Thompson, Ruth Watson

Feeling safe, feeling connected: aesthetic and polyvagal approaches to dementia care

Introduction

Feeling safe, feeling connected: aesthetic and polyvagal approaches to dementia care. Discover aesthetic and polyvagal approaches for dementia care, focusing on fostering safety and connection to improve well-being.

Abstract

Review

This paper presents a compelling and timely conceptual framework for dementia care, uniquely integrating aesthetic approaches with Polyvagal Theory to foster feelings of safety and connection. By addressing the critical need for person-centered interventions that go beyond cognitive remediation, the authors appear to offer a fresh perspective on enhancing the well-being and lived experience of individuals with dementia. The proposed framework holds significant promise for shifting current paradigms towards a more holistic understanding of care, prioritizing emotional and physiological regulation alongside social engagement. The central strength of this work lies in its innovative interdisciplinary synthesis. Polyvagal Theory provides a robust neurophysiological foundation for understanding the mechanisms of safety, threat, and social connection, offering a lens through which to interpret behavioral expressions in dementia. Coupled with aesthetic approaches—which inherently engage sensory systems and evoke emotional responses—this integration provides a powerful blueprint for non-pharmacological interventions. This conceptual synergy moves beyond purely cognitive or behavioral models, instead emphasizing the role of the autonomic nervous system and sensory experience in promoting states of calm, connection, and ultimately, improved quality of life. While the conceptual framework outlined is highly promising, future work stemming from this paper would ideally detail specific methodologies and empirical validation. An abstract would likely set the stage for how these integrated approaches could be operationalized in practice, for instance, through particular art forms, music therapy, or environmental design, and how their impact on polyvagal states could be assessed. Nonetheless, this paper lays crucial groundwork for developing innovative, evidence-informed interventions, prompting researchers and practitioners alike to consider the profound implications of creating environments and interactions that are both aesthetically rich and neurophysiologically attuned to the needs of those living with dementia.

Full Text

Comments

You need to be logged in to post a comment.