IJGPNInternational Journal of General Practice Nursing2981-94152981-9423Bio-Byword Scientific Publishing Pty. Ltd.10.26689/ijgpn.v3iSpecial.14088Article“Art Guards Memory”: Application Mechanism and Support Model Construction of Painting Therapy in Community-Dwelling Older Adults with Mild Cognitive Impairmenthttps://artdesignp.com/journal/IJGPN/3/0/10.26689/ijgpn.v3iSpecial.14088ZhuLili,YanYuanjiao,LinRong,LuoYuting2025302025-12-31With the acceleration of global population aging, mild cognitive impairment (MCI) has become a critical public health issue. As a non-pharmacological intervention, painting therapy exhibits unique advantages for community-dwelling older adults with MCI due to its non-verbal nature and multi-dimensional cognitive stimulation. This study systematically reviews the evidence base for painting therapy in this population and analyzes its mechanisms of action. These include neural mechanisms (e.g., regulating functional connectivity in brain networks like the default mode network to enhance neuroplasticity), cognitive mechanisms (activating multiple cognitive domains to build cognitive reserve), and psychosocial mechanisms (providing emotional expression and social interaction). Furthermore, the study classifies mainstream intervention models and compares their applicability in community settings. It also summarizes current limitations in research (e.g., small sample sizes) and practice (e.g., lack of professionals). Finally, based on a “hospital-community-family” framework, this study constructs the “Art Guards Memory” community support model. This model includes core components such as screening, intervention programs, talent support, and evaluation systems, alongside strategies for policy, resources, and sustained participation. The model aims to provide a scientific, standardized framework for applying painting therapy in community MCI intervention.

Bokoch R, et al., 2025, Editorial: The Arts Therapies and Neuroscience. Frontiers in Psychology, 16: 1650846.

Yan YJ, Lin R, Luo YT, et al., 2025, Impact of Combined Art-Based Intervention on Functional Connectivity of Multiple Brain Networks in Older Adults Along the Cognitive Continuum: Result from a Parallel Randomised Controlled Trial. BMC Psychiatry, 25: 210.

Zhuo X, Yan Y, Lin R, et al., 2025, Effects of an Art-Based Intervention in Older Adults with Dementia: A Randomized Controlled Trial. Scientific Reports, 15, 8500.

Shanghai Yangpu District People’s Government, 2023, Learning Graffiti from Young Artists, Community Elders Have Something to Rely On, viewed January 20, 2026, https://www.shyp.gov.cn/shypq/xwzx-jzdt/20230921/437259.html

World Health Organization, 2023, Global Report on Dementia 2023, WHO Press, Geneva.

Malchiodi CA, 2022, Handbook of Art Therapy, Guilford Press, New York.

Stuckey HL, Nobel, J, 2022, The Connection Between Art, Healing, and Public Health: A Review of Current Literature. American Journal of Public Health, 112(12): 1814–1820.

Gussak DE, Rosal G, 2023, Art Therapy for Cognitive Impairment: A Systematic Review. Art Therapy, 40(2): 78–91.

Li J, Zhang L, 2024, Effect of Group Painting Therapy on Cognitive Function of Community-Dwelling Older Adults with Mild Cognitive Impairment. Chinese Journal of Rehabilitation Medicine, 39(3): 321–325.

Wang M, Liu J, 2023, Application Progress of Individualized Painting Therapy in Mild Cognitive Impairment Intervention. Chinese Journal of Nursing, 58(11): 1375–1380.

Zhang T, Li M, 2024, Practical Exploration of Localized Painting Therapy Model in Community Cognitive Impairment Intervention - A Case Study of Yanji Community in Shanghai. Journal of Community Medicine, 22(8): 456–461.

Lin R, Yan YJ, Zhou Y, et al, 2020, Effects of Creative Expressive Arts-Based Storytelling (CrEAS) Programme on Older Adults with Mild Cognitive Impairment: Protocol for a Randomised, Controlled Three-Arm Trial. BMJ Open, 10(11): e036915.

Zhao Y, Chen F, 2024, Effect of Painting Combined with Tai Chi Intervention on Cognitive Function and Fall Risk of Community-Dwelling Older Adults with MCI. Chinese Journal of Gerontology, 44(6): 1352–1355.

Liu C, Wang L, 2023, Adaptability Study of Digital Painting Intervention in Community-Dwelling Older Adults with Mild Cognitive Impairment Aged 75 and Above. Chinese General Practice, 26(28): 3542–3547.

Chen J, Li H, 2024, Methodological Quality Evaluation of Studies on Painting Therapy for Mild Cognitive Impairment. Chinese Journal of Evidence-Based Medicine, 24(5): 589–595.

Flannery SM, 2020, Investigating a Multimodal Approach to Clinical Diagnosis of Mild Cognitive Impairment and Alzheimer’s Disease, Doctoral dissertation, Old Dominion University.

Zhou L, Wu M, 2024, Research Progress on the Mechanism of Painting Therapy Improving Cognitive Function in MCI. Chinese Journal of Geriatric Heart Brain and Vessel Diseases, 26(7): 777–780.

Yu J, Rawtaer I, Go, LG, et al., 2020, The Art of Remediating Age-Related Cognitive Decline: Art Therapy Enhances Cognition and Increases Cortical Thickness in Mild Cognitive Impairment, Cambridge University Press.

Huang M, Zhang X, 2023, Analysis of Specific Effects of Painting Components in Mixed Art Intervention. Chinese Journal of Rehabilitation Theory and Practice, 29(10): 1215–1220.

Zhang Q, Liu J, 2024, Effect of Intervention Frequency on Maintaining Cognitive Function of MCI Older Adults by Painting Therapy. Journal of Rehabilitation Medicine, 34(2): 98–103.

Health Human Resources Development Center of National Health Commission, 2023, Guidelines for Training of Community Art Therapists (Trial), China Health Human Resources, 23(12): 45–49.

Ministry of Civil Affairs of the People’s Republic of China, Department of Grassroots Political Power Construction and Community Governance, 2024, Guidelines for the Construction of Community Cognitive Impairment-Friendly Service System. China Civil Affairs, (8): 32–36.

Wang LJ, Zhao M, 2024, Exploration of Personalized Painting Therapy Programs for MCI Older Adults with Different Cognitive Impairment Patterns. Chinese Journal of Geriatrics, 43(5): 578–582.

Chen M, Liu Y, 2023, Construction and Effect Evaluation of Sustained Participation Mechanism in Community Painting Therapy Intervention. Community Health Care, 22(4): 251–255.