Worldwide in September, people raise awareness of Alzheimer’s disease and other types of dementia. The theme of ‘Never too early, never too late’ focuses on risk factors associated with dementia and the small steps we can take that make a big difference.

Provided below is helpful information on the critical aspect of vision and accessibility, identifying risk factors and easy adjustments to our living environment that help.

1. The challenge of vision loss

Losing vision can be disorienting and frustrating, especially for those living with dementia. In some cases, dementia can even contribute to vision problems. This occurs when an eye test reveals no issues, but the person still struggles to see correctly

2. Recognising the signs

Sight loss can be easily overlooked in people living with dementia, as it can be mistaken for other conditions. Take notice of the following signs:

• Narrowing visual field
• Holding objects close
• Becoming withdrawn or having communication difficulties
• Clumsiness and falls
• Visual hallucinations
• Confusion or disorientation
• Startling easily

3. Understanding the impact of dementia on vision

Dementia can affect vision and perception in a number of ways:

• Misperception, such as mistaking a mat for a hole or flooring for water
• Misidentification, where objects are wrongly perceived as something else
• Posterior cortical atrophy, leading to issues like difficulty recognizing objects and faces, sensitivity to bright lights, and problems with depth perception
• Vascular dementia complications, including hemianopia (reduced peripheral vision)

4. Good design can help

Enhancing living spaces can significantly improve the wellbeing of people living with dementia. Here are some design tips from HammondCare’s Dementia Centre:

• Increase lighting levels, emphasising natural light to accommodate changing visual needs.
• Ensure high-contrast elements for visibility, like dark seats on white toilet bases.
• Don't rely on colour for orientation, as colour perception may diminish.
• Maintain consistent flooring tones without distracting patterns.
• Opt for plain, solid-coloured fabrics instead of confusing patterns.

These seemingly subtle adjustments can transform confusion into confidence, helping people living with dementia navigate their surroundings more comfortably.

HammondCare's Daw Park dining room using best practice design to enhance the well being of the residents.