Designing Soundscapes for Alzheimer’s Disease Care, with Preliminary Clinical Observations

Acoustic environment is a prime source of conscious and unconscious information which allows listeners to place themselves, to communicate, to feel, to remember. Recently, there has been a growing interest to the acoustic environment and its perceptual counterparts of care facilities. In this contribution, the authors describe the process of designing a new audio interactive apparatus for Alzheimer’s Disease care in the context of an active multidisciplinary research project led by a sound designer since 2018, in collaboration with a residential longterm care (EHPAD) in France, a geriatrician, a gerontologist, psychologists and caregivers. The apparatus, named «Madeleines Sonores» in reference to Proust’s madeleine, has been providing virtual soundscapes for two years 24/7 to elderly people suffering from Alzheimer disease. The configuration and sound processes of the apparatus are presented in relation to Alzheimer Disease care. Preliminary psychological and clinical observations are discussed in relation to dementia and to the activity of caring to evaluate the benefits of such a disposal in Alzheimer’s disease therapy and in caring dementia.