Can Home Environment Improve Prognosis for People Living with PARKINSON’S DISEASE?
Can Home Environment Improve Prognosis for People Living with PARKINSON’S DISEASE? is a Dayhouse Studio blog on how biophilic and enriched home design may support everyday well-being for people living with Parkinson’s—complementary to medical care, not a substitute. Based in Salt Lake City, we share research-backed ideas for healthier homes.
In the article “Designing environments that contribute to a reduction in the progression of Parkinson's disease; a literature review” published in Health & Place (2023), Farnaz Hesam Shariati Ashley Steffens and Sadaf Adhami analyzed research studies on how environmental design may relate to daily living and disease progression for people with PD (research synthesis—complementary to medical care, not a clinical prognosis claim).
In this review, the authors illustrate ways to create enriched environment fostering engagement, safety and PD management. For example, #biophilicdesign and visual arts may help reduce stress and support positive mood, relaxation, and cognitive function. Access to nature and safe spaces for walking and exercising are of equal importance.
Designing spatial layout and accessibility can help to reduce falls. Indoor lighting can significantly impact circadian rhythms and brain health. Another study published in JAMA Neurology concluded that “Light therapy may be a feasible intervention for improving sleep and alertness in patients with PD.”
Why is this review important for companies developing digital health technologies for PD? The authors mention studies using wearable devices, VR and mobile apps, so please take a note MedRhythms, Inc. h2o therapeutics, Aleva Neurotherapeutics SA and others. Integration of enriched home environment and digital technologies makes common sense (for more info, explore https://lnkd.in/gdmyvENc).
This work suggest opportunities for architects and interior designers to support mental and physical well-being for people living with PD, while also supporting caregivers and healthcare professionals.
In conclusion, let’s spread more awareness about research on home-health connections.
Link to the article: https://lnkd.in/gKimtUF3
REFERENCE: Hesam Shariati F, Steffens A, Adhami S (2023) Designing environments that contribute to a reduction in the progression of Parkinson's disease; a literature review, Health & Place, Vol. 83, 103105, https://lnkd.in/g5syYmbM
PS. Is this approach applicable to other chronic medical conditions, such as depression, chronic pain, or migraine? Explore our design for health approach in the “Healthy Dwelling” article: Healthy Dwellings
The tools exist. The knowledge exists. If you live with migraine, we have put both to work for you.
This post summarizes published research on enriched and biophilic home environments for people living with Parkinson’s. Design choices around light, layout, nature access, and safe movement may support comfort, mood, and daily routines. They are complementary to medical care—not a prognosis claim, cure, or treatment substitute.
Healthy Dwelling (MDPI 19/4/2248)
Therapeutic Home Environment (MDPI 14/9/1123)
Dayhouse Studio · Salt Lake City, UT
