Effects of an Assisted Living Facility Specifically Designed for Individuals with Memory Disorders: A Pilot Study

Abstract

Despite evidence suggesting the physical environment can enhance mood and quality of life (QoL) of dementia patients, this issue has not been examined extensively within the setting of an assisted living (AL) facility. This study investigated cognition, QoL, and neuropsychiatric symptoms in 39 individuals with a memory disorder during their initial 6 months at an AL facility designed specifically for this population. Despite continued decline in cognition, participants reported lessening of several negative emotions. No significant changes in QoL or neuropsychiatric symptoms were reported. Findings suggest that moving from home to an AL facility designed specifically for individuals with memory disorders has potential positive implications.

KEYWORDS:

• assisted living
• dementia
• memory disorders
• enhanced environment