Abstract

Alzheimer’s disease and dementia are chronic diseases that are having a significant impact both in terms of the number of individuals effected and the cost to the healthcare system (Alzheimer’s Society of Canada, 2016). Given the increase longevity of individuals in society, the number of Alzheimer’s disease and dementia cases are predicted to increase dramatically. The medical profession has recently changed its approach to Alzheimer’s disease and dementia from treatment to placing more emphasis on its prevention. The biomedical approach suggests that for individual’s at-risk, interventions of increased physical exercise, better nutrition, and cognitive stimulation should be introduced. This research study has proposed a hypothesis that drama therapy, as an intervention for at-risk individuals, will increase the prevention or delay of Alzheimer’s disease and dementia. The hypothesis has been justified because drama therapy incorporates physical movement and cognitive stimulations through such techniques as role play and improvisation. Drama therapy can be implemented both as an individual or group therapy. If a group therapy method is applied, then the social factor believed to be an important element for the prevention or delay of Alzheimer’s disease and dementia can be addressed. In addition, the therapeutic component of drama therapy can address stress and anxiety which are considered to be contributing factors to the prevalence of cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, and obesity. The prevalence of these diseases increases the risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease and dementia.