Wayfinding is a problem for persons with Alzheimer’s disease (AD), especially in complex environments such as senior residential communities. In this study, persons with AD or mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and a control group of older adults were asked to navigate a virtual reality simulation of a senior residential community. Subjects had to find their way repeatedly over multiple trials for two consecutive days in standard (no extra cues) and salient (colorful, memorable cues placed at key decision points) cue conditions. The results showed that all subjects found their way faster and more effectively in the salient cue condition than in the standard cue condition. Those in the AD/MCI group were significantly more impaired in wayfinding ability compared with those in the control group. Persons with impaired wayfinding ability due to AD and MCI can find their way more effectively in virtual environments enhanced with salient environmental cues.

The ability to find one’s way in the world, known as wayfinding, is impaired in persons with Alzheimer’s disease. Senior residential environments such as independent living, assisted living, and nursing home residences are often especially difficult for wayfinding, with long, non-distinctive hallways and poorly differentiated routes. Wayfinding problems can cause anxiety, distress, and decreased interaction in persons with dementia. Visual cues are one promising intervention to help persons with Alzheimer’s disease find their way more easily. This article reviews research studies that examine the influence of visual cues on wayfinding. The literature shows evidence that persons with Alzheimer’s disease have difficulty wayfinding, yet can still learn their way if the environment is supportive for wayfinding. There is beginning evidence that colorful, familiar (easily identified), and personally meaningful cues placed at key decision points and the residents’ rooms can help persons with Alzheimer’s find their way.

These findings add to the theoretical understanding of how older adults find their way in complex environments. The understanding of how wayfinding changes with age is essential in order to design more supportive environments.