Multisensory exploration of dementia-friendly neighbourhoods via immersive design interventions
The demographic landscape of the UK is undergoing a seismic shift, with a projected addition of 7.5 million individuals aged 65 or older by 2065 (Government Statistical Service, 2021). Concurrently, the prevalence of dementia is escalating, estimated to affect over a million people in the UK alone by 2023 (Dementia UK). The ability to access, navigate, and engage with the external environment is fundamental for the successful execution of daily life tasks, especially for an aging population and those living with cognitive challenges.
In response to these pressing demographic and health challenges, my research project takes a pioneering approach by exploring the multisensory aspects of dementia-friendly neighbourhoods through immersive design interventions. The investigation centres on understanding how various sensory systems within the human body, such as vision, audition, and proprioception, interact in individuals with dementia. The ultimate goal is to leverage this understanding to enhance wayfinding, navigation, and spatial perception for this demographic.
Immersive design interventions will play a pivotal role in this exploration, serving as dynamic tools to test existing methods and unearth novel avenues for research. By immersing individuals in carefully crafted environments that simulate real-world scenarios, the study aims to elicit nuanced responses, providing insights into the sensory preferences and challenges faced by those with dementia.
This research not only seeks to refine current strategies for creating dementia-friendly spaces but also aims to catalyse innovation in designing environments that prioritize the sensory needs of individuals with cognitive impairments. The implications extend beyond academia, contributing to the development of practical and compassionate solutions that can positively impact the quality of life for people with dementia.
References
- Overview of the UK population: January 2021, Government Statistical Service, 2021 New United Kingdom Population Projections Office for National Statistics and Government Actuary's Department, London.
- Mitchell, L., & Burton, E. (2006). Neighbourhoods for life: Designing dementia‐friendly outdoor environments. Quality in Ageing and Older Adults, 7(1), 26-33. doi:10.1108/14717794200600005.
- Mitchell, L., Burton, E., Raman, S., Blackman, T., Jenks, M., & Williams, K. (2003). Making the outside World Dementia-Friendly: Design Issues and Considerations. Environment and Planning B: Planning and Design, 30(4), 605-632. doi:10.1068/b29100.
- Papaioannou, T., Voinescu, A., Petrini, K. and Stanton Fraser, D., 2022. Efficacy and moderators of virtual reality for cognitive training in people with dementia and mild cognitive impairment: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Journal of Alzheimer's Disease, (Preprint), pp.1-30.
Rameetha is currently supervised by the following PhD supervisors:
- Jieling Xiao
- Xi Guo
- Joanne Brooke
