Alzheimer's disease and the related dementias have become serious public health problems afflicting approximately 5 million Americans (Alzheimer's Disease and Related Disorders Association, 1988). The design of health care facilities can play an active role in shaping and supporting human lives. A basic understanding of the behavioral characteristics of persons with a dementing disease is required in order to design a safe and secure physical environment. Behavioral characteristics of dementia most important to the design of the physical environment have been extrapolated and synthesized from the medical literature for this report. Planning an effective support environment requires consideration of several architectural elements and living areas. The criteria are applicable to a wide range of environmental types, from traditional nursing homes to special care units. This report is intended to increase awareness among educators, architects, and interior designers about ways the physical environment can serve as a therapeutic tool, supporting meaningful intervention for long–term care recipients.
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