Art in Many Forms

Portraits of Artists written by Miller and Hui is a very interesting article that goes into dementias and their affects on patients that experience these dementias. The article talks about how even though dementias devastate parts of the brain used for functioning, it leaves others untouched. These untouched parts open us the ability to be visually creative. While a dementia may ruin a function, it gives rise to a wonderful ability. By focusing on this ability patients can pursue the activity that they can impulse on with a positive outlook.The article talks then about what parts of the brain are triggered and the process the mind goes through as it experiences these visual abilities. I think it is very intersting how the nondominant hemisphere of the brain is in full affect because it proves the power of each part of the brain and how important each part of the brain really is.  I also really enjoyed how language was tied into this article because I feel that art and language among other things are ways to communicate what someone is thinking. 
  This was great to read as I was very concerned for my grandfather who has Alzheimer's dementia. My family and I thought that he would lose his love for life as he would have a hard time remembering the things he loved doing. However, it is amazing to see him and his love for art. It brings so much light to him.  it was interesting how the use of fMRIs can be used in this situation. By using the fMRI researchers can see what parts of the brain are activated during the artistic process. I find this article to be very interesting because it shows how complex the brain is and its ability to function even when most of it is damaged.