Impact of the Design of the Built Environment on People with Dementia: An Evidence-Based Review

Abstract

Results of this review indicate that, with the exception of cognition, specific design interventions are beneficial to the outcomes of people with dementia. Overall, the field of environmental design for people with dementia is well researched in many aspects and only few gaps in knowledge were identified.

The Effects of Built Environment Design on Opportunities for Wellbeing in Care Homes

“…Marquardt previously reviewed studies of the impact of sensory enhancement and concluded that there is sufficient evidence to recommend the positive effect of appropriate stimulus but with a proviso of a need to identify appropriate levels (Marquardt et al, 2014). Campo highlighted the importance of points of interest within the environment to social interactions; however, also highlighted the importance of finding a balance and the dangers of over stimulation and distraction (Campo & Chaudhury, 2012).…”

“…This study contributes a breadth of insight into immediate observable effects of built environment qualities on everyday activities. Capturing short snippets of interactions meant that longer term effects such as the impact of exposure to bright light on mood noted in previous studies (Joseph et al, 2015;Marquardt et al, 2014) were therefore not captured by this work. Therefore, the findings would be extended by consideration alongside results of other methods including for example longitudinal sensor-based collection of activity levels and environmental measures.…”

“…This study collected an illustrative dataset of interactions across a cohort of care homes describing environmental factors for consideration. There is a strong call for experimental evidence within this domain that this study does not address; however, as previously recognised, in these environments, not all research objectives can be addressed through methods such as control trials or large samples (Marquardt et al, 2014). A rigorous observation procedure has resulted in a measured review of influencing factors without a preference to those which are easier to prove by experimental methods.…”

Where’s the evidence? a systematic review of economic analyses of residential aged care infrastructure

“…Structural design choices in residential aged care have been found to directly influence resident outcomes [13]. Improvements in areas such as behaviour, function, well-being, and care outcomes have been linked to specialised environmental design interventions [14]. In contrast, higher rates of depressive symptoms have been linked to larger facilities as well as facilities located in non-urban areas [15].…”

How People with Dementia and their Carers Adapt their Homes. A Qualitative Study

“…D. Moore, VanHaitsma, Curyto, & Saperstein, 2003;Nahemow & Lawton, 1973). In this way modification of the home to meet changing needs has been shown to be effective in enabling people to remain at home through increasing age and long term illness (Alzheimer's Society, 2014;Marquardt, Bueter, & Motzek, 2014). Evidence shows the risk of falls and some cognitive symptoms (such as impaired memory, agitation and aggression) can be ameliorated through changes within the physical environment (e.g.…”