8:30-9:30 a.m

124-D. How Environmental Design Can Protect Brain Health

More than 7.2 million older Americans live with Alzheimer's disease, and 42% of those over 55 are likely to develop dementia. Fortunately, environmental design can support these individuals by promoting brain health, enhancing cognition, reducing care costs, and increasing resident satisfaction. This session will introduce "Senior Brain," an artificial intelligence-powered system that evaluates community spaces to identify cognitive "hot spots" and recommend design improvements. Presenters will explore how the system leverages neuroplasticity—the brain's ability to change through learning and experience—to create environments that protect brain health. You'll learn how a life plan community used the Senior Brain system during a recent renovation.

• Hillary Owen, Principal, Studio Practice Leader, HKS, Inc. — Chicago, IL, USA
• Michael O'Neill, Global Practice Director of Enterprise Research, HKS, Inc. — Dallas, TX, United States
• Frances Salinas, President & CEO, Wesley Willows — Rockford, IL, US