My grandmother suffered from Alzheimer’s disease, and in my heart something told me there was so much more to be done to improve her life.
I have a masters degree in Textile Futures from Central Saint Martins in London, UK. It was while i was studying that my role as a designer revealed to me.
I decided to base my research on how textiles can bring positive sensory stimulation to Alzheimer’s patients. The results where overwhelming.
A woman suffering from advanced Alzheimer’s disease said to me: “This feels so good!” after she touched one of the stimulating hand warmers i created for her. This reaction shocked me and her carer because it was the first time in a long time she had pronounced a coherent sentence.
It is essential to take into account that even if a person suffers from Alzheimer’s, this person is still alive, and even if sometimes they cannot express themselves, they still have feelings.
And that is what I base my work on.
Currently, I am the Head of Activities and Wellbeing at The Angela Grace Care Centre in Northampton, UK.
Adriana Machado - Sensory Design for Alzheimer's Patients and Dementia 