Almost three years ago, long-time Hill resident and massage therapist Patrick McClintock received a dreaded diagnosis. He has frontotemporal dementia. He and his spouse, Marilyn Goldberg, dove deep into research, consultations and possibilities. They found a program in Congress Heights at an Iona Senior Services location through which McClintock discovered a talent he never knew he had – making art. That discovery was in part fostered by program facilitator Nephelie Andonyadis. When the program changed, McClintock traveled almost an hour to a similar program at another Iona Senior Services location. But he wanted a program close to home.
McClintock used his connections on the Hill to connect Andonyadis, Capitol Hill Village Executive Director Judy Berman and CAG (Community Action Group) Executive Director Janice Gordon who ed together to establish a Memory Studio four-week pilot program on the Hill.
Because of the success of the pilot and because it received a grant from the Creative Respite Caregiver Center which is a part of the Alzheimer’s Association, a Memory Studio for adults experiencing some kind of cognitive decline and their caregivers is opening at CAG at 124 15th St SE next month. For four hours on Saturdays, participants can experience a multidisciplinary approach to creative expression that doesn’t require memory but is inspired by imagination and creativity. The program is designed not only to offer a positive experience for those diagnosed, but also to give caregivers a respite from the daily stress of coordinating care.
The Memory Studio, free to participants, is a collaborative effort between Capitol Hill Village and Andonyadis, project designer and facilitator. “The program includes art, movement, music, and creative story-telling,” said Andonyadis, who is a theatre artist, educator and gerontologist. “All of this is founded on the fact that we continue to have creative capacity even if we lose other cognitive skills.”
at the Phillips Museum until the end of January.
According to the Alzheimer’s Association, in 2024 more than 11 million Americans provided unpaid care for people with all kinds of dementia. Seventy percent of those providing care feel stressed. The stress of dealing with the disease, plus the stress from societal reactions and from navigating the health care system can be overwhelming for both the person with the disease and the caregiver. The Memory Studio can offer a unique, positive experience for both.
Caregivers can choose to participate, can observe, or as Goldberg did in the pilot, take time for themselves. “The Memory Studio makes me completely free to be without Patrick because I know he is totally being taken care of. It gives me both freedom and relief.” Goldberg said it provides something for them to talk about even though she’s not there. “You don’t have to do it together. You can both appreciate it. It puts us on equal footing. It’s not only good for the brain but also good for the spirit as well.”
She said the Memory Studio offers her a much-needed respite. Diminishing stress can help redefine the way a caregiver and the person being cared for relate to each other.
“It’s so wonderful experience that this is happening in our Capitol Hill community,” said McClintock. “I’m glad with how things are turning out. I enjoy being a part of turning a terrible disease into a positive. The Capitol Hill community is amazing in helping to make it not as bad as it might be. It’s good to see things come together.”
Berman agrees. “There’s such a stigma around a dementia diagnosis. There are so many activities a person can no longer participate in. The Memory Studio takes off some stress and creates a positive experience for participants and caregivers.” She and the others hope the Memory Studio can be a step in changing the narrative surrounding memory loss. “People can live well with the diagnosis and disease.”
Poking a Hole in the Stigma
According to Andonyadis, McClintock is exceptional because he shares his diagnosis and freely talks about it. “People are reluctant to reveal their disease,” she said. “Society often looks at it as a tragedy. Patrick is helping to change the narrative of fear and loss. He’s showing how he is a vital member of his community.”
“The disease is very individual. We want to build on strengths of the individual,” said Andonyadis. “I believe we are the ones that need to adapt to someone who has dementia, not the other way around.”
Eight pieces of art created at the Memory Studio pilot program are now on exhibit at the Phillips Museum until the end of January in the community gallery. Andonyadis explained that the art work is on display at the Phillips because during the art portion of the pilot she used art from the Phillips collection to inspire the Memory Studio participants. “The fact that the art is being shared with the community is helping to shed the bias and helps to validate participants’ artistic capacity. We can start to change our perception of people with memory loss.”
Berman has personal experience that has shifted her perspective. “My father’s dementia got worse after my mom died. However, he seems happy. He’s enjoying being taken care of for the first time in his life. I never thought about the possibility of finding joy in living with the disease.”
Berman said she often thinks about the quote from Maya Angelou when contemplating dementia. “People won’t what you said but will how you made them feel.”
To try the Memory Studio on Saturday Dec.7, 3 p.m., CAG, 124 15th St., SE, or to in January 2025: Email to at [email protected] or call 202-543-1778.
Pattie Cinelli has been writing her column for more than 25 years. her at: [email protected].
