Art to help SW Alzheimer's patients

Bunbury residents living with Alzheimer's disease will receive significant help when Bunbury Regional Art Galleries launches a groundbreaking art program designed to encourage mental stimulation.

In a South West first, the Art and Alzheimer's program will promote social involvement among people with dementia.

It is focused on allowing participants to share opinions on art while taking part in a discussion-based gallery tour.

BRAG education officer Claire Pendrigh said running the program would be valuable for Bunbury and surrounding areas.

"It will be very beneficial not just for people living with dementia but also for everyone in the community," she said.

"A really big aspect of the program is focused on inclusion and making dementia visible and acceptable within the community."

The Art and Alzheimer's program was originally established by the National Gallery of Australia in 2007.

Ms Pendrigh said the sessions run by the National Gallery of Australia had achieved positive results.

"They found the social engagement of the participants was increased so much they became much more open to engagement," she said.

Ms Pendrigh said many local care facilities were already looking to take part in the workshops.