Memory Impairment or Dyfunction

August 23, 2007

The most common symptom of Alzheimer’s disease is memory dysfunction. This impairment is exhibited in the individual through diminished decision-making skills, insecurity, and a loss of social skills. It also results in much confusion in interpreting visual and auditory information in the physical environment. There is difficulty understanding complexity in the environment, such as different colors and patterns, and in understanding the environment as a “whole”-that is, how individual components relate to the combined unit. In addition, the Alzheimer patient experiences reduced ability to determine size, color, and shape constancies. For example, when a person is far away, to our eye he is quite small, but we do not perceive the person to have become quite small; instead, his regular size remains constant in our perception. The inability to maintain constancies of perception can be confusing to an Alzheimer patient. The design elements to be considered with regard to these impairments are noise abatement/control, furnishings, spatial arrangement, pattern, and texture.

Noise Abatement/Control

Monitor television programs to avoid movies and programs that include exploding bombs, gun shots, babies crying, and other sounds that can be confused with reality and can cause anxiety and negative behavioral acts such as screaming, crying, and hitting.

Furnishing

• Avoid using mirrors, they intensify anxiety when an individual no longer recognizes himself/herself.

• Recliners often become a hazard due to the mechanical operation required for reclining.

Spatial Arrangement

• Furniture arrangement on patios, in courtyards, and in sitting rooms should be grouped to encourage social interaction. Small groupings facilitate such interaction and reduce confusion due to noise and movements.

Pattern

• Avoid “still-life” patterns often found in floor coverings, wall coverings, window treatments, and upholstery materials, these can be confused with reality.

• Avoid floral wall coverings, floor coverings, and upholstery materials that often are thought to be “real” plant materials by the individual.

Texture

• Select soft textures that have a pleasant tactile quality .
• Avoid rough textures that are abrasive to the skin and the senses.

Posted in Alzheimer's Disease Disorder