Lesa Lorusso and Corie Baker Set to Speak at University of Florida Gator Healthcare Forum

University of Florida Gator Healthcare Forum

Gainesville, FL

Investigating the Impact of Multi-sensory Environments on Behavior for People with Dementia

Presentation by Lesa Lorusso, Ph.D., NCIDQ, ASID, Allied AIA

The global population is aging rapidly. The U.S. Veteran’s Administration (VA) estimates that 1.1 million Veterans will have dementia by 2029. Due to their progressive cognitive decline, people living with dementia have difficulty adapting to environmental stresses, which can often worsen their symptoms. Elderly people are often treated with drugs, which can be costly. However, the built environment may be a therapeutic alternative to pharmacological intervention.

In this presentation, Lorusso and her fellow researchers will highlight a 20-week, qualitative and quantitative research study with the VA to understand the effect of multi-sensory environments on Veterans with dementia. Presenters will tie findings into healthcare-based interior design, demonstrating how person-centered spaces can increase positive emotions and behavioral responses. The presentation will also discuss the study’s long-term goal of partnering with the VA to improve the design of dementia care facilities nationwide.

Integrated Process for Health Promotion Workshop

Led by Corie Baker, AIA, LEED AP BD+C, EDAC, WELL AP

Touching every aspect of our lives, the built environment is a powerful determinant of both individual and population health. While the public health sector has developed a robust understanding of the relationship between health and human-made spaces, it has been limited in its ability to effectively influence the built environment. The Green Health Partnership—a research and development initiative comprised of industry experts in partnership with the U.S. Green Building Council, the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation and University of Virginia School of Medicine—was founded on the idea that the lessons learned by the green building movement could provide the public health sector with guidance on how to transform the built environment. In this workshop, Baker will explore how the Green Health Partnership’s effort in developing the LEED v4 BD+C Rating System’s Integrative Process for Health Promotion pilot credit can guide the prioritization of design decisions, leading participants through a brainstorming session and design charrette to develop sound strategies.

More information can be accessed here.