Painting what words cannot explain - An exploration of the interactions between visual art and neurocognitive disorders

Background: The function of the brain is dependent on cooperation of nerve cells in multiple regions, which is performed through network interactions. A possible expression for this cooperation could be creative output such as visual art. Cognitive disorders influence the foundations for the network interactions which should then also influence creativity.Aim: The thesis investigates this by examining a visual artist, an expert, and a group of creative novices, all with cognitive disorders. Focus for the artist if, when and how the creative expression changes with Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Focus for the group was how they approach novel creative challenges and how this influences them in daily life.Method: This research has a qualitative approach, through interviews, active observations and analysis of the visual artists artwork before and after diagnosis of AD.Results: For the educated visual artist the creative expression and production continue, provided that some practical preparations were made, far beyond when the conventional cognitive testing assumed total loss of function. A decade before diagnosis of AD art critics could identify changes in the creative expression of the artist.For the group of creative novices some participants experienced increased cognitive abilities in their everyday life after partaking in a selection of creative challenges, with novelty, limit of scope and inspiration from current art exhibitions and their techniques.Conclusion: From a neurocognitive perspective, visual art and creativity could bypass the singular roadblocks that otherwise cause an apparent global loss of function.