AUTHOR=Campisi Manuela , Cannella Luana , Celik Dilek , Gabelli Carlo , Gollin Donata , Simoni Marco , Ruaro Cristina , Fantinato Elena , Pavanello Sofia 

TITLE=Mitigating cellular aging and enhancing cognitive functionality: visual arts-mediated Cognitive Activation Therapy in neurocognitive disorders

JOURNAL=Frontiers in Aging Neuroscience

VOLUME=Volume 16 - 2024

YEAR=2024

URL=https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/aging-neuroscience/articles/10.3389/fnagi.2024.1354025

DOI=10.3389/fnagi.2024.1354025

ISSN=1663-4365

ABSTRACT=The growing phenomenon of population ageing is redefining demographic dynamics, intensifying age-related conditions, especially dementia, projected to triple by 2050 with an enormous global economic burden. This study investigates visual arts-mediated Cognitive Activation Therapy (CAT) as a non-pharmacological CAT intervention targets both biological aging [leukocyte telomere length (LTL), DNA methylation age (DNAmAge)] and cognitive functionality. Aligning with a broader trend of integrating non-pharmacological approaches into dementia care.The longitudinal study involved 20 patients with mild to moderate neurocognitive disorders.Cognitive and functional assessments, and biological ageing markers were analyzed before and after CAT intervention.LTL significantly elongated after intervention, especially in men, correlating with days of treatment, younger age, and higher education. DNAmAge remained instead stable post-treatment. Cognitive improvements were observed, but no correlations were found between LTL and cognitive gains.Visual arts-mediated CAT effectively mitigates cellular ageing, especially in men, by elongating LTL. These findings underscore the potential of non-pharmacological interventions in enhancing cognitive and functional status and general well-being in dementia care. Further research with larger and longer-term studies is essential for validation.