ABSTRACT
This chapter describes how person-centred approaches to behavioural and psychological symptoms associated with dementia (BPSD) are different from the medical model and the implications this has for age- and dementia-friendly design. With regard to physical health, while cardiovascular disease risk factors play an important role in midlife, such as abdominal obesity, high blood pressure and high cholesterol, these were all found to reverse 1–2 years before the onset of dementia. The chapter focuses on the personal experience of people with dementia and their mental health and well-being. The traditional medical model uses a traditional directive and prescriptive approach with medical treatment approaches for BPSD. Person-centred care was developed by Professor Tom Kitwood at the University of Bradford in the late 1980s. The majority of people living with dementia prefer to stay at home.
