Finding ways to prevent dementia through design and technology

Finding ways to prevent dementia, one of the most pressing global health challenges affecting millions worldwide. With no known cure, prevention and early intervention have become critical in mitigating the impact of the disease. Researchers and innovators are increasingly turning to design and technology to create environments and tools that support cognitive health and slow down cognitive decline. From smart homes to AI-powered health monitoring, new solutions are emerging that aim to enhance brain function, promote mental well-being, and reduce dementia risks.

The health and social care systems are under increasing pressure to care for a growing number of elderly people as populations in various nations throughout the world age. One of the main causes of increased care load is dementia; according to the Alzheimer’s Society, the number of individuals with dementia is expected to increase from the current 55 million to 139 million by 2050.

Professor Eef Hogervorst is one of several researchers at Loughborough University who are working to solve this by developing novel strategies for both managing and preventing dementia. Even though dementia is a condition that primarily affects the elderly, researchers have discovered that there are lifestyle modifications we can make starting in infancy that can help lower the risk of dementia developing. In this piece, we examine how technology and design are influencing finding ways to prevent dementia in the future.

Understanding Dementia and its Causes

Dementia is a broad term used to describe cognitive decline that interferes with daily life. The most common types include:

Alzheimer’s disease: Accounts for 60-80% of cases.
Vascular dementia: Linked to reduced blood flow to the brain.
Lewy body dementia: Connected to aberrant protein accumulations in the brain.

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Key Risk Factors for Dementia

Age – The greatest risk factor, though not an inevitable part of aging.
Genetics – Family history can increase susceptibility.
Lifestyle choices – Poor diet, smoking, excessive alcohol, and lack of exercise contribute to cognitive decline.
Environmental factors – Pollution and exposure to toxins may play a role.
Social isolation – Loneliness and depression increase dementia risk.

While some factors are unchangeable, others can be modified through strategic interventions in design and technology.

How has our Understanding of Dementia Evolved over the Last Generation?

Our understanding of dementia has significantly evolved over the last generation. In the past, dementia was frequently viewed as an unavoidable aspect of aging and was often called “senility.” Physical conditions such as amyloid toxic plaques, misfolded proteins, and vascular lesions are the cause. when Alzheimer’s disease was acknowledged as a separate neurological condition as opposed to being an aging-related condition. Demographic changes and longer life expectancies further brought dementia to light as a rising public health concern.

Due to a shortage of facilities for specialist treatment, dementia patients were previously frequently kept in mental hospitals. Since then, the construction of nursing homes and memory care facilities has enhanced the standard of living for those who are impacted. Additionally, more focused therapies and interventions have resulted from the expansion of research into genetics, biomarkers, and early diagnosis. Our understanding of dementia is still being improved by ongoing research, which focuses on lifestyle factors, prevention, and cutting-edge therapies to reduce cognitive loss.

What are Some of the Factors that can Cause Dementia to Vary from Person to Person?

Even with the best, most individualized care, dementia is difficult to treat since it manifests itself in very diverse ways in each individual. Because of this, Loughborough University’s research focuses on prevention rather than cure. By addressing environmental issues like air pollution, design, and education, as well as modifiable factors like nutrition, exercise, and lifestyle and their effects on brain health, we can create potentially life-changing therapies for at-risk individuals who have not yet had dementia.

In order to prevent stunting, which is a risk factor for later-life diseases like dementia, we have even begun to investigate ways to prevent dementia at a very young age. One such initiative is the Super Movers exercise program for primary school students, which has been endorsed by the BBC and the Premier League. Another is the establishment of a birth cohort in Indonesia.

Given that women are more likely to develop dementia, we also examine how early menopause can raise dementia risk and strategies to reduce it. Crucially, we also need to do more to make sure that dementia patients’ living conditions allow them to limit the disease’s progression and maintain their independence and authority for as long as feasible. This is where our inclusive design work is useful.

The Role of Design in Finding Ways to Prevent Dementia

Thoughtful design can create environments that encourage brain stimulation and social engagement, both crucial in finding ways to prevent dementia.

1. Smart Home Design for Cognitive Health

Decluttered spaces to reduce stress and confusion.
Clear wayfinding signs to support memory and orientation.
Natural lighting regulates circadian rhythms and improves sleep quality.

2. Sensory-Friendly Environments

Using calming colors to reduce agitation.
Incorporating green spaces to encourage outdoor activity and relaxation.
Designing interactive spaces that stimulate mental engagement.

3. Encouraging Physical and Social Interaction

Urban design that includes safe walking paths and public gathering spaces.
Community centers promote social interaction and engagement in activities.
Assisted-living facilities incorporating exercise-friendly layouts to promote movement.

By integrating these principles into everyday living spaces, we can create environments that support cognitive function and mental well-being.

The Role of Technology in Finding ways to Prevent Dementia

Technology is revolutionizing how we detect, monitor, and manage dementia risk.

1. Wearable Devices for Cognitive Health Tracking

Smartwatches and fitness trackers monitor activity, sleep, and heart rate – factors linked to dementia prevention.
Devices like EEG headbands can measure brain activity and detect early signs of cognitive decline.

2. AI-Powered Brain Training and Memory Apps

Apps like Lumosity and Elevate use games to enhance problem-solving and memory.
AI-based cognitive assessment tools help detect early-stage dementia.

3. Virtual Reality (VR) Therapy

VR environments stimulate the brain by recreating real-life experiences.
Used in reminiscence therapy, VR can help patients recall past memories, reducing anxiety and depression.

4. Smart Home Technology for Independent Living

IoT-connected devices (motion sensors, voice assistants) help individuals stay safe and maintain independence.
AI-powered reminders assist with daily tasks like medication management.

5. Biometric Monitoring for Early Detection

AI-driven MRI scans analyze brain changes to detect dementia risk early.
Blood-based biomarker tests are being developed for non-invasive diagnosis.

These technological advancements are redefining dementia care, offering new hope for early intervention and risk reduction.

How is Research Enabling a More Personalised Approach to Dementia Care?

We are motivated by the urge to be inclusive, to help patients develop their independence and self-respect, and to build places that meet both their condition and—this is the most difficult part—personal preference.

By combining technology, non-pharmacological therapy, and customized interventions, research is promoting a more individualized approach to dementia care. Strategies for individualized care, like cognitive stimulation, lifestyle-based therapies, and customized activities, are becoming more and more important. Examples of interventions that have been found to improve mood and cognitive function in dementia patients include music therapy, art-based interventions, and the Montessori method.

In terms of personalization, technology is also quite important. Cognitive training programs powered by artificial intelligence and wearable technology are being utilized to track cognitive health and customize care strategies for each patient. The utilization of virtual caregiver support services and telemedicine is also increasing patient and family access to resources.

Recent developments in dementia research, including novel medication trials and biomarker-based diagnostics, are aiding in the improvement of therapeutic strategies. New Doctoral Training Centers and cutting-edge diagnostic technologies like blood biomarkers are only two examples of the substantial research investments made by the Alzheimer’s Society. These developments show that dementia care is moving toward more individualized and efficient approaches.

How can this Technique Help People with Dementia Live More Independently?

It is possible for dementia patients to live independently for a significantly longer period of time by taking into account the cognitive changes linked to dementia when designing products and spaces, as well as non-intrusive technology that is intended to make life easier without becoming a controlling or challenging force in the patient’s life.

By offering meaningful activities and contacts, this not only enables the patient to live with dignity but also lessens their tension and the stress that follows for their support systems, which includes medical professionals. Everyone benefits, including the NHS (National Health Service), friends, neighbors, and family, when people may continue to live freely, peacefully, and contentedly in their own homes for an extended period of time.

What are the Major Learnings Concerning Preventing and Delaying the onset of Dementia?

The saying “what is good for your heart is good for your brain” was first used by us years ago. Psychosocial interaction and exercise are important because they keep people’s minds busy. Decline can be significantly accelerated by withdrawal from the world.

As demonstrated by my studies in Indonesia, factors that contribute to rising dementia incidence include the adoption of contemporary, unhealthy diets, exposure to environmental pollutants, a decline in multigenerational households, which can reduce social interaction, and a decrease in physical activity. This may be lessened by engaging in psychological and physical activities.

The significance of dehydration and hyperthermia is another element that is frequently overlooked. During the day, many elderly people forget to drink because they no longer feel thirsty. Elderly people’s overheating can make this worse.

This is linked to cardiovascular problems, such as the risk of stroke, disorientation, and cognitive decline, and it will worsen as average temperatures rise. This is especially true in the Global South, but it can happen anywhere there is a rapidly aging population that is supported by fewer and fewer working-age individuals to monitor them. Thus, how we treat dementia through design, lifestyle, and public education is also influenced by climate change.

Frequently Asked Questions about Finding Ways to Prevent Dementia through Design and Technology

1. How can smart home technology help in dementia prevention and care?
Smart home technology, such as motion sensors, automated lighting, and voice-activated assistants, can help individuals maintain routines, prevent accidents, and provide caregivers with real-time alerts, promoting safety and independence.

2. What role does artificial intelligence (AI) play in early dementia detection?
AI-powered tools analyze speech patterns, eye movements, and brain scans to detect early signs of cognitive decline, allowing for early intervention and potential prevention strategies.

3. How can virtual reality (VR) and gaming improve brain health?
VR and cognitive training games stimulate memory, problem-solving, and spatial awareness, helping to strengthen neural connections and potentially delay the onset of dementia.

4. Are there specific design principles for dementia-friendly environments?
Yes, dementia-friendly designs include clear signage, color contrasts, open spaces, and easy navigation to reduce confusion and anxiety for those at risk of cognitive decline.

5. Can wearable technology aid in dementia prevention?
Wearable devices track physical activity, heart rate, and sleep patterns, providing valuable data that can help users adopt healthier lifestyles, which are linked to lower dementia risk.

Final thought, In finding ways to prevent dementia as the cases continue to rise, innovative design and technology offer powerful solutions to slow its onset and improve quality of life. Smart home systems, wearable health trackers, and AI-driven cognitive tools are revolutionizing early detection and care. Thoughtful environmental design, such as dementia-friendly homes and intuitive urban spaces, can also enhance safety and independence for those at risk.

By integrating technology with human-centered design, we can create supportive, engaging, and accessible environments that promote mental well-being. The key lies in collaboration—between engineers, healthcare professionals, and designers—to build a future where dementia is not just managed but actively prevented. Investing in these advancements today means a healthier, more independent tomorrow.