Citizens' University: How art can support people with dementia

There are currently around 1.8 million people living with dementia in Germany. Due to the ageing population, this number could rise significantly in the coming decades. As a result, the challenges for the healthcare system and society are also growing. In addition to medical care, the social participation of people with dementia is becoming increasingly important. Cultural and artistic programmes play a special role here: they can activate memories, strengthen emotional resources and prevent social isolation.

In his lecture, Prof Dr Thomas Ostermann, Head of the Department of Psychology and Psychotherapy at Witten/Herdecke University (UW/H), will provide an overview of current studies on the therapeutic significance of the arts for people with dementia. The focus will include art therapies, customised museum tours and digital cultural offerings that promote quality of life and social participation.

Prof Ostermann will also be presenting a UW/H project that is investigating how digital applications and art could become a diagnostic tool for dementia. The aim is to develop a low-threshold and complementary approach that expands on existing diagnostics in a meaningful way.

The event will take place on Wednesday, 20 May 2026, from 8 p.m. at Haus Witten, Ruhrstraße 86. Admission costs 7 euros at the box office (5 euros reduced, e.g. for students). The Citizens' University is a joint format of the vhs Witten | Wetter | Herdecke and the WittenLab. Zukunftslabor Studium fundamentale of the University of Witten/Herdecke.