Visual Stimulation for Alzheimer’s Disease and Dementia
Author: M. Celeste Chase, AC-BC, ACC, CDP
The goal in all communications with a person living with Alzheimer’s is to connect in positive, constructive, effective ways. While supportive words can help, people with progressive Alzheimer’s/dementia may eventually lose language skills, both receptive and expressive. Thoughtful use of color in the environment can become a powerful bridge.
Color Guide at a Glance
 :: RED
Red is highly stimulating; grabs attention; can make rooms feel warmer/smaller. Useful for wayfinding and cues. |
 :: BLUE
Blue is restful, calming; can lower blood pressure; rooms feel cooler/larger. Good for quiet spaces. |
 :: GREEN
Green is calming/restorative; :: LIME GREEN
Lime green is excellent for visual attention (bathrooms, doors, walkers). |
Using the Environment to Communicate — “Color My World”
Studies show that strategic use of color in the environment can boost independence, improve mood, and lessen unwanted behaviors. NOTE: Effective color preferences often include red, blue, and green.
- Red has been shown to increase brain-wave activity and perceived temperature; it makes rooms feel smaller and captures attention—useful for drawing focus to key areas or items.
- Blue is restful and calming; environments can feel cooler, and rooms appear larger when walls are painted blue.
- Green reduces central nervous system activity and symbolizes growth/life; walls painted green can make areas feel larger and more restful.
- Lime Green is particularly effective for visual cues (bathrooms, bedrooms, mobility aids).
Behavior Note: For acutely aggressive behaviors, pink is sometimes associated with fewer outbursts. You’ll often see pink, blue, and green in settings serving individuals with hostile tendencies. Clothing in coral, peach, and orange is associated with happier moods—consider these in daily wardrobes. At meals, blue and red plates/utensils provide strong contrast with food to stimulate appetite.
ADN Picks for High-Contrast Dining
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Blue/Red Dinner Plate SetStrong contrast with most foods to support appetite and independence. |
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High-Visibility UtensilsTextured grips, color cues, angle flexibility, and weighted to aid hand placement and self-feeding. |
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Non-Slip Contrasting PlacematsKeep dishes steady and add visual boundaries. Use light neutrals under red/blue plates, or dark solids under white plates. Skip black (can look like a “hole”) and busy prints. |
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Contrasting Colors — Why It Matters
Contrast marks edges and clarifies where objects begin and end—critical for safety and navigation.
- Use contrast to highlight furniture edges and reduce trip hazards.
- Contrast helps locate dinner plates and find the toilet seat in a white-on-white bathroom.
- Highlight switches, railings, and handrails with contrasting backplates or paint.
Color Differentiation with Aging
Lens changes can “wash out” color perception. Distinguishing between blue, green, and purple may be difficult; blue vs. black can be confused.
Tip: Use clear contrast and don’t rely on subtle shade differences.
ADN Picks for Wayfinding & Bath Safety
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Lime Green Wayfinding TapeMark bathroom doors, walkers, and rails and hazards for clear visual cues. |
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Contrasting Toilet SeatsStand out against white tile/walls to reduce misjudging and accidents. |
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Non-Slip Bath MatsChoose a color that contrasts the floor; reduce slips in wet environments. |
Pro tip: Keep thresholds similar in color to avoid the appearance of a change in floor level.
Visual Complications & Patterns
Reduced motion detection, double vision, difficulty shifting gaze, and misinterpretation of reflections and shadows can heighten confusion.
- Minimize patterns on walls/floors; rugs may be perceived as holes.
- Individuals with Lewy body dementia can see patterned carpets as different heights/levels.
- Declutter to reduce overwhelm and improve wayfinding.
Practical Guidelines
- Highlight important elements: Ensure floors, skirting boards, walls, and stairs clearly contrast. Example: Chairs should contrast the floor; sinks/toilets should contrast walls and floor; table settings should contrast the table or cloth.
- Use color to highlight risks: Avoid striped/checkered carpets that can be perceived as steps or holes.
- Keep thresholds consistent: Adjacent rooms should have similar flooring colors to appear level.
- Reduce unwanted visuals: For high-risk wandering, make exit doors less prominent using low-contrast colors; some settings paint decoy scenes to distract from actual exits.
Remember: Color preferences can change as sensitivity increases—aim for balance and adjust as needed.
ADN Picks for Lighting & Orientation
Consider yellow or orange warm-white bulbs for cozy evening spaces; use cooler blue-white in active daytime areas.
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Anti-Glare Night LightsReduce shadows and nighttime confusion in hallways and bathrooms. |
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Dementia-Friendly ClocksLarge digits with day/date to improve orientation and reduce anxiety. |
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High-Contrast Door SignsPair icons and words for bathrooms/bedrooms to support wayfinding. |
