The use of the Face Stimulus Assessment with an Early-State Dementia Diagnosis

Abstract

This human-subject, mixed methods study, originally designed for six participants, was turned into a case study that examined the use of the Face Stimulus Assessment (FSA) with one individual diagnosed with early-state dementia. The purpose of the study was to determine whether the participant with an early-stage dementia diagnosis could complete the FSA. Additionally, the Formal Elements Art Therapy Scale (FEATS) modified by Donna Betts for the FSA was applied to assess for applicability for individuals diagnosed with dementia. The results of the case study are not generalizable. However, the results from the individual participant were promising. The participant was able to complete the full assessment, and the average FEATS score from all three stimulus drawings demonstrated that with an early-stage dementia diagnosis, the FSA could be a good baseline assessment for tracking the progression of a dementia diagnosis. This case study supports continued research on the benefits of the FSA with this population.