Alzheimer’s Disease: The Color Issue

Abstract

This study systematically investigated the effects of interior color relative to behavior of individuals diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease (AD). The research site was a groupliving area in an Alzheimer’s Care Unit (ACU) within an intermediate care facility The experimental, multi-method study utilized photo-documentation, systematic observations, annotated diagrams, and checklists to record resident behaviors. Preliminary findings suggest the interior color has behavioral implications for AD patients. Nevertheless, additional data are required for substantiation and greater applicability.

Additional information

Notes on contributors

JoAnn L. Shroyer

JoAnn L Shroyer is an Associate Professor in Environmental Design and G Marie Anderson Gentry is an Assistant Professor in Environmental Design. Both are at Texas Tech University in Lubbock. Margaret Nagy Dobbs is an Assistant Professor in Interior Design at the University of Texas in Austin. J Thomas Hutton is Director of Neurology Research and Education at St Mary’s of the Plains Hospital in Lubbock, Texas.

G. Marie Anderson Gentry

JoAnn L Shroyer is an Associate Professor in Environmental Design and G Marie Anderson Gentry is an Assistant Professor in Environmental Design. Both are at Texas Tech University in Lubbock. Margaret Nagy Dobbs is an Assistant Professor in Interior Design at the University of Texas in Austin. J Thomas Hutton is Director of Neurology Research and Education at St Mary’s of the Plains Hospital in Lubbock, Texas.

Margaret Nagy Dobbs

JoAnn L Shroyer is an Associate Professor in Environmental Design and G Marie Anderson Gentry is an Assistant Professor in Environmental Design. Both are at Texas Tech University in Lubbock. Margaret Nagy Dobbs is an Assistant Professor in Interior Design at the University of Texas in Austin. J Thomas Hutton is Director of Neurology Research and Education at St Mary’s of the Plains Hospital in Lubbock, Texas.

J. Thomas Hutton

JoAnn L Shroyer is an Associate Professor in Environmental Design and G Marie Anderson Gentry is an Assistant Professor in Environmental Design. Both are at Texas Tech University in Lubbock. Margaret Nagy Dobbs is an Assistant Professor in Interior Design at the University of Texas in Austin. J Thomas Hutton is Director of Neurology Research and Education at St Mary’s of the Plains Hospital in Lubbock, Texas.