Uses of therapeutic thematic arts programming,
TTAP Method©, for enhanced cognitive and
psychosocial functioning in the geriatric population
Linda Levine-Madori, PhD, CTRS, ATR-BC, LCAT
Currently, there is a need for strength-based recreation therapy approaches which promote
the retention of skills and abilities of the growing older adult population. This article
introduces an emerging multimodal intervention: Therapeutic Thematic Arts
Programming for Older Adults (TTAP Method©), an approach that provides stimulation to
three distinct brain systems, encouraging brain wellness and neural regeneration, thereby
providing a viable means for enhancing cognitive functioning in older adults. Research on
TTAP Method© efficacy is currently being explored at Cornell University and previous pilot
studies strongly indicate that the TTAP Method© may be an effective intervention for slowing
the progression of mild cognitive impairment to Alzheimer’s disease. TTAP Method© is
person centered and culturally competent, and engages a variety of creative activities.
Preliminary research on the TTAP Method (c) in a pilot study with 25 Spanish speaking individuals diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease utilizing the TTAP Method after a 12 week period in a community day center, showed positive and significant correlations to improved cognitive abilities and increased psychosocial wellbeing in those participating in the 9- step structured multimodal intervention. July 11-14, Vienna, Austria.
