Habitat-Approach for Extra-Ordinary People: the case of Alzheimer's Disease

Behaviours typical of people with dementia (PWD) are often considered inappropriate by “normally endowed” society. Accordingly, people with dementia are often isolated, or hidden, because of stigma or the possibil- ity of negative reactions from neighbours and relatives to behavioural and psychological symptoms. Hence, facing stigma is often a primary concern of PWD and their caregivers, because it represents a significant obstacle to well-being. Analysing deeply this aspect, enormous similarities emerged compared to some issues of contemporary society. The feeling is that the condition of people with dementia is not merely attributable to a state of deficiency or disability. Even in the artists is frequent the presence of certain kind of diversities. But indeed, these diversities are responsible for an extra- ordinary condition, in which, due to their increased level of sensitivity, they are able to perceive reality in a deeper way. For example, the condition of incommunicability has been portrayed in the arid sequences by Michelan- gelo Antonioni, or the logic of repeating sounds and were analysed in the works of La Monte Young and Steve Reich. From this perspective, the loss of some capabilities, identifies special people with emotional and perceptual characteristics different from the ones experienced by “normal endowed so- ciety”, completely extra-ordinary and able to live the everyday experience in a completely intimate point of view. In this sense, through research it is necessary to transfer a new approach, referring to individuals considered special, exceptional and extra-ordinary. Working in the framework of a dif- ferent and extra-ordinary sensitivity, design research, should develop solu- tions able to convey to this “extra-ordinary patients” a perpetual state of re- lief, tranquillity and relaxation. An example can be found within the specific setting of Non-Pharmacological Therapies (NPTs), where the environment can act as a prosthesis: enhancing the well-being of the patients, supplying their lost capabilities, reducing dysfunctional symptoms and behaviours. An environment designed for an extra-ordinary sensitivity, created through a system of elements, considered as activators of well-being, able to provide the patients the possibility to regain autonomy, dignity and self-confidence.