ABSTRACT
This introduction presents an overview of the key concepts discussed in the subsequent chapters of this book. The book explores the role that design can play in assisting people living with dementia and their carers to live as well as possible, at home or in the right supportive environment, retaining their capacity for longer and maintaining as much autonomy and independence as possible. It outlines the medical background, explaining the various causes of dementia and their effect. The book covers the role of engagement with the dementia community in generating better understanding of their requirements and aspirations in terms of design. It assesses the indoor environmental quality required by people living with dementia. The book demonstrates the role of post-occupation evaluation in delivering successful building performance. It explains design principles for dementia and illustrates them through practical examples within a spectrum of care scenarios.
