Natural light can make a world of difference for dementia patients

It’s no secret that natural light can transform a space, or that it has a tangible effect on the people who live and work there.

It’s no secret that natural light can transform a space, or that it has a tangible effect on the people who live and work there. The difference between a basement office with no fluorescent lights and a corner apartment with floor-to-ceiling windows is – please forgive the pun – like night and day. Simply put, natural light makes people feel better!

It was on the basis of this idea that University of Southern California Assistant Professor of Architecture Kyle Konis created a study to explore the effect of natural light even further.

Konis, who received his doctorate from the University of California, Berkeley, knew that people who work in spaces that have daylight exposure are more content and productive, while those without much exposure to daylight, such as nightshift workers, are more prone to obesity and Type 2 Diabetes. The logical next step, he said, was to think about groups that might be hardest hit by “poorly functioning indoor environments.” That’s how he came up with a pilot study looking at the impacts of daylighting on older adults living with dementia.

Daylight first, medication second

Konis and his team looked at about 80 participants across eight dementia communities in Los Angeles and Orange counties. His study showed that early morning exposure to natural light improved the mood of residents, reducing depression and psychoactive symptoms, which are common side effects of the neurodegenerative disease.

The hope is to use the pilot study results to kickstart more research on the subject. He said dementia treatment is often, and rightfully, focused first and foremost on delaying memory, learning, and language degradation. What is often overlooked is the depression, agitation, and difficulty sleeping that often comes along with a dementia diagnosis. Lack of exposure to daylight leaves people feeling moody and sluggish, a feeling similar to jet lag. While depression can be treated pharmacologically, there are other options, like mindfulness and meditation. Konis hopes that his study and further research will allow some dementia sufferers to live happier, healthier lives without the need for medication.

Other research backs Konis up

Konis isn’t alone in his pursuit, either. In the Netherlands, there is a village-like community for older adults with dementia called Hogeweyk. They live in houses just like their old homes, they have gardens, and they shop at the local grocery using special currency. And in the United States, the Green House Project is taking a similar approach. The Green House Project, a national non-profit dedicated to creating alternative living environments to traditional nursing home care facilities, also mimics the feeling of home by giving their campuses the look and feel of a residential neighborhood. “This is a disease or problem that’s been almost totally focused on pharmaceutical cures. There are lots of other things we can do to make a difference,” said Victor Regnier, a professor who has dual appointments in gerontology and architecture at USC. “If you can create a setting [like Hogeweyk or Green House] that’s more normalized — less rules and more improvisational attitudes — it’s just better.”

Environment clearly has an impact

While Regnier and others look at the broader environmental impact on dementia patients, Konis said he hopes to continue his research on the effects of natural light. As the dementia population is predicted to dramatically increase in the coming decades, Konis’ research could be hugely impactful.

“There’s a huge demand now for housing people with dementia,” he said. “Dementia care, in terms of the companies that operate them, they’re buying existing medical facilities or hotels and repurposing those buildings. They’re not always thoughtfully designed from the ground up.”

Institute on Aging

Institute on Aging

Related Posts

Questions?

Give our dedicated Client Service Specialists a call. We are ready to help.

Follow Us

Three and a half years ago, Maggie Fang started her journey as an Assessment Specialist in the Support at Home Program at IOA. Her excellent people skills enabled her to manage a caseload of older adults and individuals with disabilities, helping them receive homecare to age in place. Maggie was selected to pioneer the Temporary Respite Caregiver Support program, and we are delighted to have such a skilled and dedicated individual leading our newest program at IOA. Thank you, Maggie, for your exceptional work! 

#SocialWorkMonth #WeAppreciateyou #ThankYou #SupportatHome #CaseManager #SocialWorkerAppreciation
Join us at the Adult Day Program at the Enrichment Center as Caregiver Coach Alex shares with us the incredible support and care provided to participants living with dementia. Clients enjoy various engaging activities, from music therapy to art classes, designed to stimulate their cognitive and physical abilities. The skilled staff at the Enrichment Center also provides caregivers with much-needed support and respite, allowing them to take a break and attend to their needs. If you or someone you know is looking for support in caring for a loved one with dementia, the Adult Day Program at the Enrichment Center in the Presidio is an excellent resource for you! 

Learn more by visiting the link in our bio! 

#DementiaCare #EnrichmentCenter #AdultDayProgram #CaregiverSupport #Presidio #Dementia #Memory #Caregiver
At Insitute on Aging, we are committed to attracting and retaining top talent, and we are incredibly fortunate to have Manuel Martinez on our team. With his extensive expertise in housing and community resources, Manuel has been an invaluable asset to our organization. Recently, he was promoted to the role of Assessment Specialist II in our Adults with Disabilities - Home Delivered Meals program. In addition to managing a caseload, Manuel has demonstrated exceptional leadership skills and has become an expert in program management. We are grateful for Manuel's unwavering commitment to IOA and the community we serve. Thank you, Manuel, for your dedication and passion in making a difference in the lives of others. 
#SocialWorkMonth #IOATeam #TopTalent #CommunitySupport #HomeDeliveredMeals #SupportingAdultsWithDisabilities
In honor of #SocialWorkMonth, we're shining a spotlight on one of our exceptional social workers - Patty Myers! 

Patty has dedicated her career and volunteer efforts to support older adults and adults with disabilities in San Francisco. As the Resident Services Coordinator for Institute on Aging's Support in Independent Living program, Patty wears many hats to ensure that the 120+ residents of Martin Luther Towers Senior Housing can age in place comfortably. Her talent for connecting individuals with resources has enabled her to go above and beyond to ensure accessibility and inclusivity for all. Patty's commitment to her work has been unwavering, and we are grateful to have her on our team at IOA. 

#SeniorCare #SocialWork #SupportingTheElderly #SocialWorker #SocialWork #NationalSocialWorkerMonth #Services #Coordinator #Joinourteam