Exploratory Evaluation Finds High Satisfaction in Arts Program for Dementia Dyads

An exploratory mixed-methods program evaluation of 23 dyads of people living with dementia and their care partners (N = 46) found high program satisfaction across both virtual and in-person formats of the Lincoln Center Moments (LCM) program. Conducted by Ruth V. Walker, Evan G. Shelton, Cameron J. Camp, Miranda Hoffner, and Katie J. Fanning, the evaluation assessed the free dyadic arts program and found that participants in both virtual and in-person settings perceived LCM as engaging and supportive.

While arts-based programs are increasingly used to support people living with dementia and their care partners, limited focus has been placed on multi-modal, participatory performing arts programs offered in both virtual and in-person formats. LCM is grounded in four pillars: Validation/Personhood, Social Engagement, Self-Expression, and Artistic Stimulation. In their evaluation, the researchers gathered quantitative measures of program satisfaction, social engagement, and arts engagement, and coded post-session interviews using an evaluative framework aligned with the program pillars.

Across quantitative measures, modality-specific analyses were exploratory. Care-partner-reported arts engagement for people living with dementia increased from pre- to post-season among the in-person subgroup, but did not increase among the virtual subgroup. Social engagement scores were similar across virtual and in-person formats, although in-person attendees were more likely to report friendships with others.

Qualitative data supported all four LCM pillars. Participants who were initially hesitant to engage described greater comfort and willingness to participate over time. Participant feedback suggests that programs such as LCM may provide inclusive, accessible spaces for creative engagement, particularly for individuals unable to attend mainstream performances. Given the exploratory design, sample of 23 dyads (N = 46), and exploratory modality-specific subgroup analyses, the authors noted that future researchers should explore hybrid delivery formats and assess longer-term dyadic outcomes.

Subject of Research: Exploratory mixed-methods evaluation of in-person and virtual performing arts programming for people living with dementia and their care partners

Article Title: “It absolutely enlarged my world”: Exploring in-person and virtual performing arts programming for dementia care dyads

Article References: Walker, R. V., Shelton, E. G., Camp, C. J., Hoffner, M., & Fanning, K. J. (2026). “It absolutely enlarged my world”: Exploring in-person and virtual performing arts programming for dementia care dyads. PLOS Mental Health, 3(11), e0000771. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pmen.0000771

Image Credits: AI Generated

DOI: 10.1371/journal.pmen.0000771

Keywords: dementia, care partners, performing arts, Lincoln Center Moments, mixed-methods evaluation, arts engagement, social engagement, virtual programming, absolutely, enlarged, world, Exploring