Embedded Files
Hello!
Hello!
Hi! My name is Arlene. I grew up on the North Shore of O‘ahu and graduated from Kahuku High School. I later earned my associate’s degree in Architectural, Engineering, and CAD (computer-aided design) Technologies from Honolulu Community College before transferring to UH West O‘ahu. My educational path has been shaped by both creative expression and a deep desire to serve the community. If I were an artist's tool, I would be a paintbrush — versatile, intentional, and able to transform the smallest strokes into something meaningful. A paintbrush adapts to its medium, just as I’ve learned to adapt through caregiving, advocacy, and creative storytelling.
Research Topic: Art Therapy and Dementia Care
Research Topic: Art Therapy and Dementia Care
Research Question: How can Art Therapy be standardized in dementia care?
Research Question: How can Art Therapy be standardized in dementia care?
Abstract:
Abstract:
This capstone highlights the importance of standardized assessment tools in effectively implementing CAT interventions, including internationally recognized tools, such as the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) for early detection of mild cognitive impairment (MCI), a precursor to developing dementia; the gold standard Neuropsychiatric Inventory (NPI) for behavioral and psychological symptoms (BPSD); the Clinical Dementia Rating Scale Sum of Boxes (CDR-SB) to measure severity of symptoms and stage progression by assessing six cognitive and functional domains; and the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE), as a globally recognized and quick assessment tool for testing cognitive abilities when accessibility is limited.
Capstone Project: Website
Capstone Project: Website
Project Title: Art Therapy and Dementia Care
Project Title: Art Therapy and Dementia Care
Capstone Proposal:
Capstone Proposal:
CREATIVE PROCESS:
CREATIVE PROCESS:
The concept of creativity has come a long way. The Old Greeks would call those creative forces muses, other religions referred to them as God. Today people still mostly treat creativity as an aha moment outside the area of influence. However, just by looking at the creative process one can tell, that creativity and creative work is more than just that one "Aha-Moment" (insight). It is clear that generating ideas demands planning and preparation, identifying something of interest like a problem, an opportunity or a challenge, doing research. This then leads to thinking of a solution, allowing time to incubate and iterations before arriving at something “complete.” Students learn that hard work is what makes their ideas come to life and sticktuiveness is what helps them get better.
DELIVERABLE:
DELIVERABLE:
Arlene created a website dedicated to supporting individuals impacted by dementia in their families, with a focus on the healing power of art therapy. Her project emphasizes the importance of using standardized assessment tools—such as MoCA, NPI, CDR-SB, and MMSE—to detect and track cognitive decline, behavioral symptoms, and progression of the disease. Through her research and platform, Arlene sheds light on how creative arts therapies can help mitigate symptoms of dementia and improve quality of life, offering both education and hope to caregivers and families navigating this journey.
Go and check it out!
Page updated
Report abuse