"Designing for Dementia and Alzheimer's: Neuroarchitectural Principles for Healing Spaces"

The hippocampus — the brain's spatial memory system — is one of the first regions affected by dementia. This work presents a comprehensive neuroarchitectural framework that examines the relationship between hippocampal function, spatial experience, and architectural design across five axes. The work establishes a fundamental principle: if treating hippocampal damage is a medical matter, then managing what remains of it is equally an architectural one. It explores how space can be designed to support those living with dementia through the lens of neuroscience, providing both theoretical framework and practical applications including reminiscence environments and case studies of Hogeweyk Village and Maggie's Centres.