The Healing Power of Colour and Form: Exploring the Aesthetic Preferences of People Living with Dementia
What we see can deeply influence how we feel.
Introduction
For people living with dementia, communication goes far beyond words. For people experiencing changes in cognition, visual elements such as colour, shape, and texture can become powerful tools for emotional expression, stimulation, and connection. From engaging hues to tactile art pieces, these visual choices can shape mood, reduce agitation, and spark moments of joy and recognition.
As researchers and practitioners continue to explore the therapeutic potential of aesthetics in dementia care, one thing is increasingly clear: what we see can deeply influence how we feel.
Why Colour and Form Matter in Dementia
Dementia affects how the brain processes information, including visual stimuli. Perception of depth, contrast, and colour may change, and overstimulating environments can lead to distraction or disorientation. However, the right visual cues—carefully chosen and placed—can have the opposite effect: creating calm, comfort, and engagement.
According to a study by Van Hoof et al. (2010), people with dementia respond positively to high-contrast, warm colours (like red, orange, and yellow), which can improve visibility and mood1. Cooler tones such as blue and green are often associated with calmness and are useful in spaces designed for relaxation.
Insights from the Field: What Therapists and Researchers Say
Dr. Sarah Carr, an art therapist specializing in geriatric care, emphasizes the importance of simplicity and clarity in visual stimuli:
“People with dementia often gravitate toward bold, clearly defined shapes and primary colours. These offer visual clarity and can evoke positive memories or feelings of safety.”
Dr. Esther Ramsay-Jones, lecturer in art psychotherapy, also highlights the emotional dimension:
“Art engages people on a sensory and emotional level. Colour and texture bypass language and memory, speaking directly to the emotional self.”
Meanwhile, Zarit & Zarit (2015) stress that engagement with pleasing visual forms—particularly familiar ones—can increase emotional wellbeing, even if cognitive recognition is limited2.
Colour Psychology in Practice
Each colour can have a distinct psychological and behavioral impact. Here are some practical insights drawn from research and clinical observations:
Colour | Effect | Application |
Red | Stimulating, attention-grabbing | Dining rooms to encourage appetite |
Yellow | Cheerful, energizing | Common areas to promote alertness |
Blue | Calming, reduces aggression | Bedrooms or quiet spaces |
Green | Soothing, restorative | Nature-themed artwork and lounges |
Purple | Regal, nostalgic | Art that connects to past experiences |
Black/Dark tones | May cause confusion or fear | Best avoided in flooring and furnishings |
Shape and Form: Gentle Structure, Not Chaos
Individuals with dementia often prefer symmetrical and familiar forms. Abstract art can be engaging if it’s colorful and emotionally expressive, but overly complex, distorted, or chaotic images may be more difficult to process.
A study published in The Journal of Gerontological Nursing found that structured, nature-based imagery (e.g., landscapes, animals, flowers) was most positively received by residents in memory care settings3.
Tactile elements also matter. Textured artwork—such as raised or fabric-based pieces—can provide sensory stimulation and promote motor engagement, especially for those in later stages of dementia.
Tips for Selecting Dementia-Friendly Artwork
When curating art for care settings or galleries working with dementia populations, consider the following:
- Prioritize familiarity: Choose imagery that evokes personal or cultural memories (e.g., local landscapes, family scenes).
- Consider bold, contrasting colours: These aid visibility and focus.
- Avoid visual noise: Steer clear of cluttered, chaotic compositions.
- Incorporate nature: Trees, water, and flowers often evoke positive responses.
- Experiment with texture: Mixed-media and tactile artwork can offer new avenues for engagement.
Case Example: Colour and Calm in Practice
In a pilot project at a long-term care home in Vancouver, art therapists introduced a rotating gallery of large-format, colour-rich landscape paintings in shared spaces. Residents reported decreased agitation, and caregivers noted more frequent spontaneous conversations about the artwork.
One resident, who rarely spoke, began pointing to a painting of a field of sunflowers and smiling each morning. The therapist later learned that she had grown up on a farm surrounded by sunflowers—proof that the right image can tap into deep emotional memory, even when verbal language is lost.
AGH experiences – Consider these recommendations, but prioritize the person
When starting to make selections of art for living spaces, these are good recommendations to help guide your choices. But, using a person-centred approach is essential – where ever possible, include the people who will live with or work with the art in its selection, and let them lead the way.
Our very first experience with introducing people living with dementia to art was through a purchase of painting made by regional artists to complete the design of a new clinical residence. Staff at the residence know how important person-centred approaches were and formed a focus group of patients to choose the art. The final purchases included landscapes, a large fountain, local landmarks, and several large abstract works. By working with the people who would see the art everyday, we were able to assemble a collection that was meaningful to them, and that added both visual design and empowerment to their living quarters.
Our experience – start with the recommended styles of art, get to know the people, and then add some surprises to see what clicks!
Conclusion: Art as a Bridge, Not a Barrier
For individuals living with dementia, art is more than a diversion—it is a bridge to the world, to memory, and to self. Understanding the emotional impact of colour and form empowers caregivers, therapists, and institutions to create environments that heal, comfort, and connect.
By choosing visuals that are intuitive, familiar, and emotionally resonant, we can unlock moments of clarity, dignity, and joy—even in the midst of cognitive decline.
References
- Van Hoof, J., Kort, H. S. M., van Waarde, H., & Blom, M. M. (2010). Environmental interventions and the design of homes for older adults with dementia: An overview. American Journal of Alzheimer’s Disease & Other Dementias®, 25(3), 202–232.
- Zarit, S. H., & Zarit, J. M. (2015). Mental Disorders in Older Adults: Fundamentals of Assessment and Treatment. Guilford Publications.
- Calkins, M. P., & Namazi, K. H. (1991). Design and dementia: Tapping into visual memory. Journal of Gerontological Nursing, 17(5), 6-11.
Don’t forget to view additional educational programs through the Art Gallery of Hamilton, by clicking HERE.
