Background

The DemSCAPE project aimed to create more inclusive and accessible communities for individuals with dementia. As a postdoctoral fellow at the Alzheimer Society of BC, our team member led the data collection for this project. The goal was to gather spatial data through walking interviews and analyze it to understand the relationship between urban form and the lived experience of individuals with dementia.

Problem

Individuals with dementia often face challenges in navigating their surroundings due to memory loss and cognitive impairment. This can lead to social isolation and decreased participation in community activities. Our team recognized the need for more research on how urban design can impact the lives of people with dementia, as well as the need for more inclusive and accessible communities.

Solution

To address these issues, we utilized GIS and participatory mapping techniques to gain a comprehensive view of our findings. We conducted video analysis to support our research, allowing us to better understand how individuals with dementia interacted with their environment. By analyzing this data, we were able to identify specific areas where improvements could be made in urban design to make communities more inclusive and accessible for people with dementia.

Impact

Identified specific areas where improvements could be made in urban design to make communities more inclusive and accessible for people with dementia.
Provided valuable insights into how urban form impacts the lived experience of individuals with dementia.
Promoted greater awareness of the needs of people living with dementia among policymakers, designers, and other stakeholders.
Inspired further research on how urban design can improve quality of life for people living with dementia.
Informed future efforts by organizations like the Alzheimer Society of BC to promote greater inclusivity and accessibility in communities across Canada.

Team

Jessica Lee - Postdoctoral Fellow
Led data collection for DemSCAPE project
Gathered spatial data through walking interviews
Analyzed data using GIS and participatory mapping techniques
Conducted video analysis to support research
Contributed towards creating more inclusive and accessible communities for individuals with dementia
Raj Patel - Research Assistant
Assisted in data collection through walking interviews
Conducted literature review on existing research related to urban design and dementia
Contributed towards analysis of findings
Maria Rodriguez - Community Outreach Coordinator
Coordinated outreach efforts to recruit participants for walking interviews
Facilitated communication between researchers and community members
Contributed towards creating more inclusive and accessible communities for individuals with dementia

Improving Dementia Communities with GIS