Memory Loss
Memory loss is one of the most predominant symptoms of Alzheimer's disease. Individuals may struggle to recall recent information or recognize familiar faces. This creates an urgent need to design the environment in a way that compensates for this deficit, using visual aids and strategic reminders.
Temporal and Spatial DisorientationPeople with Alzheimer's disease can also experience difficulties understanding the passage of time and orienting themselves in space. This can lead to frequent confusion about the time of day, the location of certain rooms in the home, or even the distinction between the home and the outside. Adjustments, such as easy-to-read clocks and visual cues, are necessary to mitigate these issues.
Visual Perception Challenges
Behavioral Changes
Alzheimer's disease can also trigger behavioral changes, such as agitation, irritability, or distrust towards others. These emotional variations can influence the way the person interacts with their environment. Consequently, the design of the space must take these emotional aspects into account to create a soothing and secure setting.
Visual perception challenges can exacerbate confusion and fall risks. Changes in the way people with Alzheimer's disease perceive their environment can make stairs, objects, or areas of shadow potentially dangerous. Adaptations such as adequate lighting and the reduction of visual obstacles contribute to minimizing these risks.
