Neurodegenerative Diseases and Changes in Artistic Expression

Abstract

Art represents one of the most impressive expressions of brain potential. Artists share their feelings through painting, drawing and music thanks to an exceptional ability of the brain to integrate motor and cognitive resources. The occurrence of a neurodegenerative disease is usually considered as a catastrophe causing an irreversible damage to the brain. However, several clinical cases demonstrate that behavioural modifications induced by neurological diseases can surprisingly enhance art production. This chapter will discuss how neurodegenerative processes can modify artistic expressions.