Overview

The World Alzheimer Report 2020, ‘Design, dignity, dementia: Dementia-related design and the built environment’, is a global perspective of dementia-related design that takes a cross cultural approach, reflects regional and economic differences in low-, middle- and high-income countries, and considers urban versus rural settings. It highlights the role of innovation, entrepreneurship and the importance of aesthetics. It also looks to benchmark against progress made in the physical disabilities movement and demands the same progress is now made in design solutions for people living with dementia. The report calls for design solutions to be included in national governments’ responses to dementia, including in their national plans, recognising design as a vital, non-pharmacological intervention. Across two volumes, including 84 case studies, the report looks at design in home/domestic settings, day and residential care, hospitals and public buildings and spaces. The report makes a strong statement that design for dementia is 30 years behind the physical disabilities movement – and that this must change.