Art, movement, music - a creative approach to brain health

As a young adult, Michelle became interested in finding new ways to support her wellbeing, with creativity soon becoming one of the most valuable tools in her toolkit. When her father David was diagnosed with dementia, she returned to that toolkit with renewed purpose, determined to reduce her own risk of developing the condition.

After years of using creative hobbies to support her mental wellbeing, she now finds ways to use these activities to strengthen her brain health as well.

“Why wouldn’t you be able to change your brain?”

Michelle was in primary school when a violin teacher, unimpressed with her musical ability, told her: ‘this is just how your brain is, you'll just always be like this’.

She carried that belief for most of her life; however, as she developed an interest in brain health, she revisited that memory and realised her teacher was wrong.

“You can change your muscle structure, you can change your posture, why wouldn't you be able to change your brain,” she said.

With this mindset, Michelle began researching ways to support her brain health.

According to the latest research, 45 per cent of dementia cases globally can be prevented.

While there is no single solution to preventing the condition there are many things that can help reduce the risk of developing dementia.

As a Creative Wellness Facilitator, Michelle was especially interested in how creativity and art might help.

“I had been running drum circles, so I started to learn a little bit about what happens in the brain when you listen to music,” she said.

“Music really engages the whole brain, it’s the optimal wellness activity - especially if you add singing, or some kind of movement.

“You end up doing something fun, even connecting with people - it's all just bonuses on bonuses for brain health.

“I always say it’s the best medicine if you listen to music every day.”

Feeding your brain

Michelle believes optimal brain health comes from giving the brain what she calls ‘positive pings’, the good chemicals released when you experience joy, calm or peace.

“I get worried sometimes because I feel like I'm really in the firing line for dementia but there's a lot of good things I do to mitigate the risk factors,” she said.

Michelle enjoys painting, bookmaking, visual journaling, photography, crochet, mixed medium art, playing Dungeons & Dragons, and stitching felt hearts for the 1000 Hearts project.

She even plans to learn the violin.

For Michelle, it’s about doing a little of something every day.

Find something you enjoy

Her view of exercise also changed after her father’s diagnosis.

She had never enjoyed going to the gym or more traditional forms of physical activity, but learning in a workshop that ‘exercise’ can take many forms was a turning point.

“I love swimming, I love gardening, I like cleaning and they can all be forms of exercise,” Michelle said.

“When I go swimming, I know that I've done my activity for the day. Even if I don't get to do anything else that day, at least I know I’ve done what I can for my brain.”

“In my life I’ve felt like there’s been a lot of things I didn’t have control over. But one of the things I do have control over is keeping myself well.”

“You just have to find something you enjoy. And that's when you put the music on.”

Find out more about brain health

You can learn more about your potential risk of developing dementia through a Cognitive Health and Dementia Risk Assesment conducted by NeuRa. 
Dementia Australia has further information on reducing the risk of developing dementia available on our website.

The Dementia Australia Library Service also has a wide range of information and resources on brain health. The library service is free to use.