As society becomes increasingly aged, dementia has entered everyday discussion, yet stereotypes of decline and incapacity persist. To highlight the creativity and emotional expression that seniors with dementia still possess, the National Taiwan University Hospital Beihu Branch recently held the “Friendly Minds Creating Together” thanksgiving tea gathering and exhibition at the NCCU Public Enterprise Center, presenting artworks created by seniors and inviting the public to see their lives differently.

Since opening on November 6, 2024, the exhibition has drawn over a thousand visitors. The works were created by seniors participating in dementia community programs jointly organized with Ximen Elementary School. Guided by occupational therapists, they engaged in watercolor painting, crayon drawing, and collage. The creative process supports hand-eye coordination and cognitive skills while offering a way to express emotions and continue personal life stories.

One participant, Grandma Chen, had withdrawn due to depression and dementia. Initially uninterested, she gradually resumed painting with consistent encouragement from therapists. Her mood stabilized over time, and she began looking forward to each session. Her family described this return to art as a meaningful turning point in reconnecting with her.

At the event, a community medicine physician introduced “Cognitive Function Training Cards,” designed around familiar daily scenarios to help reactivate cognitive abilities and strengthen independence and confidence. The hospital emphasized that dementia does not mean a total loss of ability; with proper support, individuals can still express, create, and connect.