Dementia & The Brain: Why Creativity is a “Non-Negotiable” for Brain Health with Angel C. Duncan, PhD, MA, MFT, ATR

In this soulful and eye-opening episode, Laura welcomes Angel C. Duncan, PhD, MFT, ATR, a leading expert in the intersection of neurosciences, art therapy, and dementia care. Together, they explore how creativity offers a powerful bridge to connection—transcending traditional communication to reach the "person" who remains despite a diagnosis. Angel shares practical ways for families to use art to restore autonomy and rediscover connection when words are no longer enough.

Meet Angel C. Duncan:

Angel C. Duncan, PhD, MFT, ATR, is a Marriage and Family Therapist and Board-Certified Art Therapist with over 19 years of experience. She serves as the Executive Arts Director for the Cognitive Dynamics Foundation, teaches at the University of Tampa, and co-developed the "Bringing Art to Life" intergenerational program. Angel is a consultant in clinical trials and program development, specializing in using art and neurosciences to enhance the quality of life for those living with neurodegenerative diseases.

Topics Discussed:

1. The distinction between professional art therapy and "arts and crafts".
2. How creativity acts as a vital "nutrient" for brain health and neural connectivity.
3. Practical art-based interventions: Scribble drawings, collaging, and painting past passions.
4. Restoring autonomy: Giving residents the power to dictate and choose their creative expression.
5. The "TimeSlips" model and the power of improvisational storytelling.
6. Why the "creative soul" remains vibrant even in late-stage dementia.
7. Bridging the gap: Strengthening relational bonds between caregivers and loved ones through art.
8. Overcoming the "I’m not an artist" hurdle to find soul-nourishing expression.
9. The role of dopamine and endorphins in creative engagement as we age.

Timestamps (Approximate):

1. 00:00 - Welcome & Laura's intro to Angel C. Duncan, PhD, MFT, ATR.
2. 05:40 - Art Therapy vs. Hobbies: Tapping into "memory pockets" in the brain.
3. 10:10 - Why creativity is essential for brain health: Thicker brain regions and faster connections.
4. 21:05 - The "Dopamine Shift": Why we need creative motivation as we age.
5. 31:15 - Practical Tips: How to engage a loved one in a facility and restore autonomy.
6. 42:30 - The "TimeSlips" model and using imagination when intellect fades.
7. 48:00 - Strengthening the "wife and husband" bond through shared art.
8. 52:45 - Don't assume they can't: Profound stories of connection in late-stage dementia.

Key Takeaways:

1. Creativity is a physiological need. Engagement in the arts creates faster neural connections and supports executive functioning.
2. The "person" is still there. Even when self-awareness seems to fade, art therapy taps into the subconscious and long-term memory.
3. Art restores autonomy. Allowing a loved one to dictate placement or color returns a sense of control and purpose often lost in care settings.
4. Focus on process, not product. It doesn't matter what the art looks like; the meaning and shared connection during the process are what matter.
5. Creativity bridges the caregiver gap. Art allows spouses and children to step out of the "caregiver" role and back into their roles as wives, husbands, and daughters.
6. Genetics is not destiny. Daily choices, including creative engagement and movement, empower families to enhance quality of life.

Resources Mentioned:

1. Cognitive Dynamics Foundation: cognitivedynamics.org.
2. TimeSlips: Creative storytelling model founded by Anne Basting.
3. Gene Cohen, MD, PhD: Pioneer of geriatric psychiatry and "The Creative Age".
4. Bringing Art to Life: Intergenerational art therapy program.

Connect with Angel C. Duncan, PhD, MFT, ATR:

1. Website: duncanangel.wixsite.com/angelcduncan
2. Email: aduncan@ut.edu
3. Podcast: N2CreativeAging

Connect with Laura Vaillancourt & the Life on Repeat Podcast:

1. Website: https://lifeonrepeatpodcast.com
2. Instagram: @lifeonrepeatpodcast
3. Facebook: Life on Repeat Podcast
4. YouTube: www.youtube.com/@LifeonRepeatPodcast

If this episode gave you a breath of hope, please like, subscribe, and share it with a caregiver or clinician who needs it. You're not alone.