Can colors influence someone with dementia? This is a question that has been asked by many people, and it is still up for debate. Some say that colors can affect someone with dementia, while others believe that this is just a myth.
What is Dementia and What are the Symptoms?
Dementia is a broad term used to describe a decline in mental ability. This can include memory loss, language skills, and problem-solving abilities. Dementia affects people of all ages, but it is most common in older adults. There are many different types of dementia, but the most common form is Alzheimer’s disease. Other types of dementia include Lewy body dementia, frontotemporal dementia, and vascular dementia. Symptoms of dementia can vary depending on the type of dementia someone has. However, some common symptoms include memory loss, confusion, and difficulty with communication.
How Can Colors Influence Someone with Dementia?
Our brains process colors more quickly than words. Here are some colors and what we associate with them:
Red
Some research shows the color red can be over-stimulating for people with dementia, as it is a high-contrast color. This can lead to anxiety and agitation. You should avoid using red in areas where the person with dementia spends a lot of time, such as their bedroom or living room. Additionally, the color red is connected with power and vitality. It’s the most emotionally charged hue and is known to increase heart rate and breathing.
Orange
The color orange is associated with happiness, sociability, and excitement. It’s also a very stimulating color that can increase energy levels, creativity, and enthusiasm. Orange is a good color to use in areas where the person with dementia needs to be active, such as a therapy room or activity area.
Yellow
Yellow is another stimulating color that can help to boost mood and speed up metabolism. It’s also been shown to increase serotonin levels, which can help to improve sleep and appetite. Yellow is a good color to use in areas where the person with dementia needs to be active, such as a therapy room or activity area.
Green
Green is the most restful of colors, signifying both growth and life. It lowers brain activity, allowing people to relax. Green is a good color to use in areas where the person with dementia needs to relax, such as their bedroom or living room. It is also the easiest color on the eyes, can improve vision, and the last color those with dementia lose the ability to see.
some research suggests that blue and green colors can help to calm someone with dementia. These colors are thought to have a calming effect on the brain and can help to reduce anxiety.
Blue
Blue is known to be a calming color that can help to lower blood pressure and heart rate. It’s also been shown to reduce anxiety and stress levels. Blue is a good color to use for dinner plates and utensils as it produces a contrast of food. Additionally, blue is good to use in areas where the person with dementia needs to relax, such as their bedroom or living room.
Purple
Purple is a calming color that can help to reduce anxiety and stress levels. It’s also the color of royalty and is considered to be a spiritual color. Purple objects may be thought of as sacred by persons with dementia.
Pink
Pink is another color that some experts believe can be over-stimulating for people with dementia. This is because it is a high-contrast color. Additionally, the color pink is associated with femininity and delicacy. For someone who may be aggressive, try using pink in their personal space as it tends to ease aggression.
White
White is a calming color that can help to reduce anxiety and stress levels. It’s also considered to be a clean and pure color. White objects may be thought of as sacred by persons with dementia.
Black
Black is a color that can be over-stimulating for people with dementia. This is because it is a high-contrast color. Additionally, the color black is associated with darkness and sadness. You should avoid using black in areas where the person with dementia spends a lot of time, such as their bedroom or living room. In addition, some specialists also recommend putting black flooring in front of doors or stairwells since Alzheimer’s patients perceive them to be holes, which causes them to avoid walking on them.
Final Thoughts
It is important to remember that everyone is different and will respond to colors in different ways. What may work for one person may not work for another. It is important to experiment with different colors to see what has the best effect on the person with dementia. The colors we’ve listed should give you a good starting point when choosing which colors to use in your loved one’s environment.
If you have any questions, please feel free to reach out to us here at Avanti Senior Living. We are always here to help!
