Effects of different art therapy interventions on cognitive functions in older adults: A systematic review and network meta-analysis.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the effectiveness of various art therapies on cognitive functions in elderly adults. METHODS: This study included 38 studies and 2,869 patients, using Review manager 5.4 and Stata 17 for statistical analyses. RESULTS: In terms of MMSE scores, music therapy, horticultural therapy, drawing therapy, and creative arts therapy showed significant improvements compared to treatment as usual (all P<0.05). For MoCA scores, music therapy, dance movement therapy, creative arts therapy, visual arts therapy, and occupational therapy demonstrated significant enhancements (all P<0.05). Network meta-analysis revealed drawing therapy ranked highest (SUCRA: 79.2%) for MMSE improvement, while music therapy showed superior effectiveness (SUCRA: 92.6%) in enhancing MoCA scores. CONCLUSION: Drawing therapy is particularly effective for MMSE scores, while music therapy is particularly effective for MoCA scores. Healthcare providers should consider incorporating structured art therapy protocols into cognitive rehabilitation programs based on patients' specific cognitive impairment patterns.