Behind the Veil: Mandala Drawings by Dementia Patients

Abstract

Mandala drawings created by older adult patients diagnosed with dementia were categorized into the 13 stages of the MARI® Card Test© developed by Joan Kellogg. This paper discusses the mandala as a stimulus for artmaking and indicator of internal processes in dementia patients. The six MARI® stages drawn most frequently and colors used most often will be described. The MARI® Card Test© stages and theory can provide increased understanding of patients' needs and development of treatment goals and interventions. Drawings can indicate thoughts and emotions that patients may be experiencing but unable to express due to the disease process.