Dementia is a category of cognitive disorders including Alzheimer’s disease and vascular dementia which predominantly, although not exclusively, effects the elderly with 1 in 3 people over the age of 65 dying with the condition (Alzheimer's Society 2014). It is a progressive and incurable disease which causes the gradual loss of memory and other cognitive functions. Those suffering from dementia will find it difficult to recall and memorise information, think independently, problem solve or form coherent sentences. Dementia patients will often become anxious or agitated when faced with unfamiliar surroundings or social situations and have a poor understanding of time and place.
It is common for dementia patients to suffer from neuropsychiatric, or behavioural, symptoms which impair every day activities and are damaging for both patient and carer. It is these symptoms which affect the way in which a patient interacts with their surroundings both socially with other people and physically with the built environment. Such symptoms include …show more content…
Several measures have been taken which aim to reduce anxiety within patients: the plan has been arranged so that there are no dead ends which could induce confusion and panic, colour has been introduced to the walls to aid the recognition of different rooms, with doors for toilets and bedrooms also colour coded so they can be easily identified. Care has also been taken to ensure an even illumination throughout the centre; it can be difficult for the elderly to adjust to variable light conditions while glare can be disorientating and uncomfortable for dementia sufferers (Canter 1979). The overall effect of these design considerations is to put the patient at ease, improving their wellbeing and reducing the need for staff to manage problematic