The Impact of Colors on Alzheimer's Patients

Are you caring for a loved one with dementia? You don't have to figure this out all on your own. Welcome to Truth, Lies Alzheimer's, the show that helps you reimagine a new relationship with your loved one, a relationship a little more free of stress and anxiety. Join host Lisa Skinner and her 30+ years of experience as she guides you on a new path to a better relationship with those you care for. Here's Lisa.

Hi everybody. Thanks for joining me for another new episode of The Truth, Lies Alzheimer's Show. I'm Lisa Skinner, your host. And today I'm going to be talking to you about color and light. And how it changes with people who are living with Alzheimer's disease and dementia. And I find this topic to be absolutely fascinating. And until I did this research, I had no idea that such a thing even existed and what a tremendous difference colors can make in the quality of life for people living with Alzheimer's and dementia. And many studies have been conducted on color and light with many contrasting results. For the most part, the use of various colors, particularly in the environment for those living with dementia, can be helpful in providing quality of care. Color preferences for individuals with dementia are red, blue, and green. For instance, blue is a restful color with a calming effect. Research shows that using blue in the physical environment can actually lower blood pressure and that blue rooms are seemingly cooler than rooms painted in shades of red or orange. Blue also appears to increase the size of the room, and blue is a good choice for dinner plates and utensils as it produces a contrast of food. Red increases brainwave activity, seems to decrease the size of a room, and increases the perceived temperature of the room. So if you want to get the attention of an individual with Alzheimer's or dementia, use red. It also is a good color for dinner plates and utensils, as it offers good contrast with the food, and it also stimulates the appetite. Now, green is symbolic of growth in life and is the most restful of all colors. It reduces central nervous system activity and helps individuals remain calm. Using green makes rooms appear larger, particularly lime green, which is very effective with individuals who live with Alzheimer's or dementia for visual attention. For example, visual cues for bathrooms, bedrooms, walkers, etc. For the affected individual who may have aggressive tendencies, try using pink in their personal space as it tends to ease aggression. The use of contrast is extremely important for marking edges of things, for drawing attention to furniture or other tripping hazards, and making it easier to locate food on the plate or even find the toilet seat in a white-on-white bathroom. Contrast can be used to help define objects more clearly. Using a color that contrasts with the background draws attention to key features. For example, using a contrasting wall color so that it can be easier to locate switches and sockets or railings and handrails. Doors of the bathroom can be painted a different color than other rooms in the house for easier identification. Location, and using a contrasting color in the kitchen to highlight edges of cabinets does help affected individuals locate themselves within their surroundings and reduces accidental injuries from edges. In addition to the environment, look at other ways using color for the affected individual. Incorporate color in the individual's wardrobe. Using his or her favorite colors. Reports do show that individuals feel happier when wearing colors such as coral, peach, and variations of orange. I found that to be really fascinating. Bear in mind that due to natural thickening of the lens of people's eye, um, as they age, Older people may experience colors as being washed out and find that blues, greens, and purples are harder to differentiate. Additionally, color preferences can change, and the person with dementia experiences increasing sensitivity to all things. So it is necessary to create a balance through the journey of Alzheimer's disease and related dementia. Now, the environment tremendously influences how people living with Alzheimer's disease and related dementia interact with it, how they respond to it, and how much enjoyment they get out of life. However, what if I said that the use of color could change and even help decrease behaviors connected with dementia? This is, this is true. The findings of the numerous research that have been done on light and color have been somewhat varied, but the majority of specialists agree that the use of colors, particularly for a person with dementia, may assist in enhancing the quality of their lives. In the actual world, There are thousands of distinct colors, and colors of an object varies depending on whether it's seen indoors or outdoors. And it is possible to shift somewhat below a fluorescent light compared to when it's being viewed under natural light. There's all these variations. So people with a loss of vision or dementia may benefit from using color and contrast to assist them in locating important objects and spaces. This is very important information. There are changes that occur that affect the way we see and perceive colors as we get older. These changes are caused by the natural thickening of the eye lens, and that also occurs as we get older. For instance, one's perception of color might be shifted as a result of the lens in their eyes being more yellowed and also thicker. Therefore, when people become older, the following are some changes that may occur. A decrease in this— in the person's capacity to perceive contrast manifests itself as an inability to differentiate between minute differences in their surroundings, such as those presented by carpets and steps. A dulling of the colors. For instance, red begins to take on a more of a pinkish appearance. A diminished capacity to discern the differences between blue, green, and purple colors. So how do people actually see color? The color that appears to the human eye is determined both by the pigments in the item and by the surrounding light. Pigment colors are said to be subtractive because of the fact that when combined, they produce a color that is very similar to black, sometimes known as the absence of color. Primary colors include red, yellow, and blue. Secondary colors include green, orange, and purple. And in addition, these hues may shift in 3 different dimensions. And then of course, you have the influence of light on our sense of color, and that cannot be overstated. The pigment color of items and surfaces in the environment, as well as the colors in the light which reflect off the objects and surfaces in the environment, contribute to how we all experience color. Our brains are able to process colors far more rapidly than they can comprehend words. So let's take a look at some of the colors and the reactions that are typically linked with them. So red, when utilized appropriately, the color red has the power to inspire particular actions and responses from people. For example, according to research, the color red again gives the impression that a room is hotter than it actually is. For instance, if a person frequently feels chilly, even though the ambient temperature is already considered to be warm by others, They may attempt warming the room by using red comforters or even pillows. When applied to walls, the color red has the ability to make a room look smaller than it actually is. Additionally, if the color is applied high up on the wall, it may induce people to leave the area. Last but not least, the color red has been shown to boost hunger. In those living with dementia. So if the person that you're caring for, you feel, is not getting enough to eat, you may try using a red dish to serve their meal. A person with Alzheimer's disease and related dementia may experience as much as a 33% increase in their appetite when they eat their meals on red plates, since this has been found to stimulate hunger. Blue's the next one I'm going to talk about. Blue is a hue commonly linked with tranquility and serenity. Think of a clear sky or ocean, and studies have shown that exposure to blue can reduce anxiety and blood pressure. Not only can coloring a room blue provide a more soothing atmosphere, but it has been shown to also make the space look like it has greater volume. Person with Alzheimer's disease and related dementia may find that dark blue, as opposed to bright blue, helps them restrict their appetite. Offering meals on dark blue dishes has been shown in a few studies to reduce up to 28% of the amount of unnecessary overeating. So if your loved one is overeating or a physician is pushing weight loss, consider providing meals on dark blue plates. Green is the next color. I'm gonna talk about. And since ancient times, the color green has been linked to ideas pertaining to new beginnings and renewals. It has been demonstrated that the color green may lower the amount of activity in the central nervous system, resulting in a sensation of peace. Green is the color that is considered to be the most relaxing. Of all the colors. Whenever painted on the walls of a smaller room, green, like red, can give the impression that the space is larger than it actually is. So first and foremost, lime green is a hue that maintains its lively appearance even as it gets older. It has been demonstrated that the use of lime green is useful in drawing attention to significant individuals locations, and objects. For instance, several assisted living facilities and memory care facilities have their caregivers wear lime green shirts to make themselves more immediately identifiable to residents who have Alzheimer's disease and related dementia. And this has been found to enable the residents to receive assistance when they need it more quickly. You can make visual cues at home with the color lime green if you want to. It's been shown to be extremely effective. So, for example, if your loved one is able to operate a microwave but frequently forgets how to switch it on, you could try identifying the button on the microwave with lime green tape. Similarly, if you want to lessen the risk of falls in the bathroom, you could try using a light green toilet seat to offer contrast. This is also really helpful for men. One of the problems that I have heard of for decades is at some point men living with Alzheimer's disease and related dementia have a hard time when they're going to the bathroom, finding or identifying where to aim when it comes to urinating. And this is one way to help them do that, to identify the toilet seat, is by using a light green toilet seat to offer that contrast.. And if that has ever been a problem or it, it ends up being a problem, now you know the fix to that. Yellow. The color yellow stimulates the metabolism. In addition, research has shown that people are more likely to lose their tempers in rooms that are yellow, despite the fact that yellow is generally thought of as a happy hue. Therefore, if a person displays aggressive behavior, limiting their exposure to the color yellow may be helpful and beneficial. Orange is the next color I'm going to tell you about. It is similar to red in many ways, including the fact that it is a warm color and the close relationship between the two, like the color green. It has a basis on earth, and people frequently associate it with the natural world and with natural settings. It is connected to the ability to make friends and with contentment. Orange clothing has been shown to increase enthusiasm as well as creative output. Black. Suppose a loved one of yours has been diagnosed with, let's say, Lewy body dementia. In that case, you should pay particular attention to the color black since people with this kind of dementia sometimes view black clothing worn from the knee down as frightening or menacing. According to this, Wearing pants and shoes of a lighter hue may assist and avert awkward encounters. Be careful to inspect your front entrance mat as well. If it is a dark color, black or dark blues, your loved one may misinterpret it as a hole in the floor. If it is there, remove it and replace it with a mat of a lighter color that stands out against the areas around it. However, if they tend to want to be a wanderer and want to exit the environment, using a black mat in front of the door will actually discourage them from opening the door because they think there's a big hole in front of the door and they won't step on that mat. The next color I want to share with you is pink. A number of scholars have proposed that the color pink be used in settings where aggressive behavior has to be managed. Exposure to significant amounts of the color pink has been shown to have a soothing impact on people, which in turn helps to lessen feelings of hostility and wrath. This type of occurrence is commonly referred to as the pink effect. It is recommended that the affected individual who may be prone to aggressive behavior experiment with using pink in their personal space since this color has a tendency to calm such tendencies. So just think of what the combination of playing soothing music that is familiar to somebody with Alzheimer's disease and using pink tones. Would be in having that calm and relaxing effect on them. So it is important to remember that there is no such thing as a good or a bad color in the terms of dementia when considering the effect that color may or may not have on a person with Alzheimer's disease or dementia. It is natural for people to have a color or set of colors that they favor, and this trait is not necessarily altered by dementia. A person's color preferences may shift as the disease develops, so may that person's ability to perceive colors as well. When looking for solutions to the question of what colors those living with dementia favor, It is important to keep in mind the importance of giving priority to the colors that the individual enjoys. This is due to the fact that individuals will have varying tastes and preferences. Therefore, not only the rooms or the utensils may be decorated in the individual's preferred colors, but other environmental components can also be. It's advisable to include color in their clothing so that they feel happier whenever they are required to pick out an outfit and dress up. This will allow them to feel good and positive about themselves. And that is how impactful colors can be for people living with Alzheimer's and dementia. Colors allow someone with cognitive impairment to express their opinions and inner feelings without using words. People with memory issues often struggle to articulate their thoughts. Good thing is now caregivers can help them communicate nonverbally by choosing colors. For this, a caregiver will obviously need to know what specific colors the person with dementia resonates with. So if they seem to prefer a particular set of colors, You will end up knowing what mental state they are in, and you will know if they're feeling positive, hopeful, numb, sad, angry, or even creative. As other senses diminish, color may be more easily distinguishable than other environmental cues. Not only can color influence emotion, But it can also enhance a senior's understanding of their environment. Cognitive abilities and eyesight can diminish over time, and objects may become more difficult to differentiate, and the things that a person without dementia would easily be able to tell apart may be harder to distinguish when you have dementia. This can obviously lead to difficulty discerning a bathroom from a bedroom, finding food on a plate, or dressing in matched clothing. So there are 3 general categories of change in cognitive ability that make it harder for people with dementia to maneuver through spaces, according to Libby Hash, who is the National Director of Wellness and Memory Care at Kisco Senior Living. Remember these factors when considering how memory care paint colors affect loved ones with dementia. So number 1, people with dementia perceive color differently. Color preferences may change as the dementia progresses. Vibrant hot colors like neon shades can cause confusion and stress. According to the journal Frontiers in Psychology. Number 2, dementia compromises a person's depth perception. We've talked about that in other episodes. In the late stages of dementia, vision may become limited. Individuals with memory impairment often have trouble judging distances, seeing contrast between similar colors, or properly identifying a dark object in a dim area. This can lead to falls more frequently and also lead to wandering. And then number 3, motion blindness is a common side effect of dementia. Motion blindness is a type of visual impairment that makes it difficult for people with dementia to see where they're going. Or even if they're moving at all. According to the research from the University of Rochester, when paint colors shift between rooms and hallways, a senior with cognitive decline is able to perceive spatial changes that he or she may otherwise not notice. Memory care communities keep these 3 key factors in mind when choosing paint colors to help seniors adapt to their environment confidently and independently. And you can, you can apply this, these principles in your home environment as well. So the next thing I'm going to share with you is how people living in memory care, how the paint colors can affect their behavior and their emotion. As a person with dementia moves through different spaces. The use of contrasting colors can help prompt behaviors, says Epstein. The muted blue of a sitting room can induce feelings of calm and relaxation, whereas bright yellows and greens of a kitchen or dining area send energizing cues to the brain perhaps stimulating appetite. Some paint colors that can have a significant impact on emotion include black and gray, which leads to higher levels of anxiety, frustration, and ambivalence, according to the research published in Frontiers in Psychology. Blue encourages calm and restfulness, when used in the appropriate environment, according to the Journal of Architectural and Planning Research. And depending on the tone, blue may even have a physiological impact and reduce a person's blood pressure. Green can reduce the central nervous system activity and make a room appear larger and more open. And the sage green color of a bedroom can bring us back to our connection with the planet and our harmony with nature. Red, which can be seen as the diametric opposite of blue according to pioneering color theorist Robert Gerard, classic 1958 experiments that serve as a foundation for contemporary, contemporary color Research. Red and orange can be used to simulate depressed patients and promote alertness and brain activity. Since red may also have negative connotations, it's ideal as an accent in exercise and activity rooms and should be used in a large-scale context. Orange, which is great if you're looking to add a pop of color. This warm color, when paired with earth tones, may stimulate the outdoors in nature, says Hash. You can add this pop to blues and greens to create contrast and flow in a room. And then again, light pink, which can ease aggression and feel welcoming, especially for women. However, the effect of pink depends dramatically on the shade of the pink, according to research from Georgia Tech. The effects of aging on a person's vision can be profound, as I mentioned earlier, and needs to be considered when designing technology for seniors. From the age of about 40, The lens of the eye begins to harden and lose its flexibility, causing a condition called presbyopia. Presbyopia causes images to be focused behind the retina with a resulting loss in visual acuity. Now, this is a normal part of aging that makes it increasingly difficult to focus at short distances, hence the need for reading glasses. With age, our pupils shrink, resulting in the need for more light and a diminished capacity to adjust to changing light levels. For example, a 60-year-old retina receives only 40% of the light that a 20-year-old retina receives. And 80-year-old retinas receive only around 15%. Hence, older people also have lower light sensitivity and increased sensitivity to glare. That's why shiny floors can almost look like water to them. The older eye is less able to make out low-contrast patterns. According to the National Eye Institute in the US, from the age of 40, contrast sensitivity starts to decline until the age of around 80 and may be reduced to up to 83%. This has profound implications when designing technology for seniors. For example, As illustrated, um, certain text color and background color combinations are extremely difficult for older people to read with low contrast sensitivity. So compounding the effects of presbyopia, visual sharpness also worsens with declining contrast sensitivity. Declines in contrast sensitivity do cause the older eye to have slower accommodation transitioning between dark and light places. Older eyes have more difficulty seeing thin lines and focusing on hard edges. Beyond affecting reading in general, this makes it difficult for seniors to distinguish between Similar icons, buttons, believe it or not, and other user interface element shapes where edges and lines are critical visual cues. And lastly, color confusion also increases with age. The most common form of color blindness in the general population is difficulty in distinguishing between colors containing red or green. This is according to the National Eye Institute, and it affects approximately 1 in 12 men, or 8%, and 1 in 200, or 0.5%, of women in the world. And then these percentages increase with age, and severity also increases with age. So, um, this is also known as red-green color blindness, But it does not mean sufferers mix up red and green colors. It means they mix up all colors which have some red or green as part of the entire color. For example, we all know purple is made up of blue and red. So because the eye does not see the red component, purple to them will look blue. So that's a wrap. For today's episode of The Truth, Lies Alzheimer's Show, I'm Lisa Skinner, your host. I think that the information that I shared with you in this episode is powerful. It can obviously have a profound effect on the day-to-day life quality of people living with Alzheimer's disease and dementia. And who would have ever thought that colors could have this much effect on somebody's moods and the way they see things and the way they function. So to me, this is such important information. And hopefully, it's raised all of our eyes to maybe possibly new ways that we can implement a happier, a more functional environment for our loved ones living with Alzheimer's disease and related dementia. So thanks again for being here with me today, and I'll be back again next week with another new episode of The Truth Lies in Alzheimer's. And I hope all of you have a wonderful, happy, healthy week, and we'll see you back here next week. Thanks for being here. I appreciate your time, and I appreciate all of you. Bye for now.

Thank you for listening to Truth, Lies Alzheimer's. We hope you found something in today's episode that helps. We understand that caring for a loved one with dementia can be the challenge of a lifetime, but you don't have to do it alone. If you're ready for exclusive access to even more great content and resources, head on over to Facebook and join Lisa Skinner's Minding Dementia support group. We're a community of like-minded caregivers, and we're here to help.