The importance of acoustics in designing spaces for people with dementia

What is dementia?

Dementia is an umbrella term for a collection of symptoms that affect the brain. And it can have an impact on a person’s memory, mobility, perception, communication, and hearing.

Whilst there is no cure for dementia, it is important to create a healthy, positive built environment in which people can thrive and enjoy a good quality of life.

How does acoustics impact people with dementia?

With regard to acoustics, it is said that of all the senses, hearing is the one that has the most significant impact on people with dementia in terms of quality of life.

Noise can be distressing and isolating. People with dementia often experience constant background noise. Some people with dementia have extreme noise sensitivity, which increases stress levels, anxiety, confusion, blood pressure, heart rate, and fatigue.

The perceptual problems experienced by people with dementia mean they may lose the ability to accurately interpret what they hear, finding certain sounds frustrating.

The evidence-based review by Marquardt et al (2014) found a link between high noise levels and ‘unwanted behavior’ in people with dementia. In other studies, noise has been linked to a lack of participation and social isolation. However, not all sound is “bad” as pleasant sounds were found to be ‘positively stimulating.’ The review by Marquardt concluded that good acoustics should be: “one of the key architectural efforts in care environments for people with dementia.”

The link between hearing loss and dementia

There are also links between hearing loss and dementia. Hearing loss is the most common form of disability found in Europe. It has a huge impact on how we relate to people and spaces leading to social isolation. It is also more common as we age. The risk of getting dementia almost doubles if you have untreated mild hearing loss and with moderate hearing loss, the risk of dementia triples. With severe untreated hearing loss, you are five times more likely to develop dementia!

Some ways to design an acoustically calming space

We feel that whilst more research on defining appropriate noise levels for different spaces is needed, some common aspects of the acoustic design have been found. They are beneficial in helping to create a calm environment that helps to relieve stress and aids the processing of information.

• Use the building envelope to block intrusive, loud, external noise such as busy traffic, or deliveries
• Consider sound insulation and sound absorption in corridors to prevent noise intrusion into adjacent rooms
• Locate bedrooms away from noisy spaces to improve the quality of sleep
• Provide a quiet room that is not the person’s bedroom, to enable the person with dementia to process information in a space without too many stimuli and to help calm agitated people
• Visual alarms and silent bell call systems can offer a suitable alternative for those who may be frightened by loud noises. They can also help to minimize overall noise levels and disturbances
• Consider enhanced visual cues for people with hearing loss as they rely more on the visual sense. Design features that are easy to see and understand aid navigation
• Use sound absorption in communal and activity spaces to enhance comfort and improve communication when clear speech is required. Otherwise, noise levels can rise quickly

More on the senses and dementia in this presentation by German architect and researcher Birgit Dietz:

Reference:
Marquardt, G., Bueter, K. & Motzek, T. (2014). Impact of the Design of the Built Environment on People with Dementia: An Evidence-Based Review. Health Environments Research & Design Journal. 8(1), 127–157.