The Effect of Seoul Dementia Healing Design Project on Cognition and Social Engagement
10.12779/dnd.2020.19.4.140
- Author:
Min Young CHUN
1
;
Jihye HWANG
;
Ji Young YUN
;
Geum Yun SIM
;
Gyoung-sil CHOI
;
Geon Ha KIM
;
Jee Hyang JEONG
Author Information
1. Department of Neurology, Ewha Womans University Mokdong Hospital, Ewha Womans University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
- Publication Type:Original Article
- From:Dementia and Neurocognitive Disorders
2020;19(4):140-151
- CountryRepublic of Korea
- Language:English
-
Abstract:
Background:and Purpose: Rapid population aging and an increase in the demented elderly became major social concerns in South Korea. Environmental design is increasingly recognized as an important aid for long-term care of patients with dementia as well as pharmacotherapy. We did a pilot study to investigate the effect of the Seoul Dementia Healing Design Project In-House Design (S-DHDP-IHD) in improving the quality of life of the cognitively impaired patients and of the S-DHDP Environmental Design (S-DHDP-ED) in increasing daily outdoor activities for cognitively impaired individuals and not cognitively impaired (NCI) elderly residents.
Methods:We applied the S-DHDP-IHD to 2 households of patients with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and early-stage vascular dementia (VD). We assessed the effectiveness of intervention by surveys and video recordings of daily tasks. Additionally, we applied the S-DHDP-ED to 5 community facilities and randomly selected 287 residents over 65 years old (32 dementia caregivers and 255 NCI elderly) to participate in surveys.
Results:S-DHDP-IHD intervention showed improved instrumental activities in MCI patient and early-stage VD patient. Also, the satisfaction with an intervened home environment was increased. Following S-DHDP-ED intervention, non-demented residents engaged in more outdoor and social activities. They were also satisfied with the function and design of the installed facilities.
Conclusions:S-DHDP encompassing both home and environmental improvements was effective in readapting cognitively impaired individuals and could achieve a customized, holistic approach to dementia caregiving by means of the improved design.
