Articles
What kind of signs should be used in a dementia garden? Word, abstract symbol, or actual photo?
Article number
1459_16
Pages
155 – 162
Language
English
Abstract
As dementia patients experience a gradual decline in cognitive function, understanding the meaning of signs may become challenging.
This study investigates the accuracy of judgment among elderly individuals with varying cognitive abilities regarding four important signs or indicators that may appear in dementia care facility gardens.
The participants consisted of individuals aged 65 and above, categorized into three groups: those with regular cognition group (36 participants), mild dementia group (36 participants), and moderate dementia group (33 participants). The average ages for the three groups, normal cognition, mild dementia, and moderate dementia, were 85.1, 87.2, and 87.4 years, respectively.
The average Mini-Mental Status Examination (MMSE) scores for the three groups were 27.33, 19.58, and 10.64. The three groups of participants showed no significant differences in age and education years (5-12). However, there was a significant difference in MMSE scores among the three groups.
Three types of signs (word, abstract symbol, and actual photo) were used to assess the accuracy of four types of information (Toilet, Dining room, Bedroom, and Staff). The results showed a significant difference in understanding the meaning of signs among participants with three levels of cognitive abilities.
In general, whether it was words, abstract symbols, or actual photos, the accuracy rate was highest in the regular cognition group, followed by the mild dementia group, and the lowest scores were observed in the moderate dementia group.
Regarding signage presentation methods, word signs had the highest accuracy rate, followed by actual photos, with abstract symbols having the lowest accuracy rate.
The results can be a reference for applying signs or indicators in healing gardens for people with dementia.
This study investigates the accuracy of judgment among elderly individuals with varying cognitive abilities regarding four important signs or indicators that may appear in dementia care facility gardens.
The participants consisted of individuals aged 65 and above, categorized into three groups: those with regular cognition group (36 participants), mild dementia group (36 participants), and moderate dementia group (33 participants). The average ages for the three groups, normal cognition, mild dementia, and moderate dementia, were 85.1, 87.2, and 87.4 years, respectively.
The average Mini-Mental Status Examination (MMSE) scores for the three groups were 27.33, 19.58, and 10.64. The three groups of participants showed no significant differences in age and education years (5-12). However, there was a significant difference in MMSE scores among the three groups.
Three types of signs (word, abstract symbol, and actual photo) were used to assess the accuracy of four types of information (Toilet, Dining room, Bedroom, and Staff). The results showed a significant difference in understanding the meaning of signs among participants with three levels of cognitive abilities.
In general, whether it was words, abstract symbols, or actual photos, the accuracy rate was highest in the regular cognition group, followed by the mild dementia group, and the lowest scores were observed in the moderate dementia group.
Regarding signage presentation methods, word signs had the highest accuracy rate, followed by actual photos, with abstract symbols having the lowest accuracy rate.
The results can be a reference for applying signs or indicators in healing gardens for people with dementia.
Publication
Authors
M.L. Liao, S.J. Ou
Keywords
dementia garden, wayfinding, signs
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