Visual Attributes of Wayfinding in Care Facilities by Individuals With Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI)

Navigating unfamiliar environments poses significant challenges, especially for individuals with cognitive impairments. These individuals often struggle with maintaining orientation, recalling routines, and traveling through new environments due to their limited cognitive capacity. The current state of research on visual environmental attributes of wayfinding reveals a gap, particularly regarding individuals with mild cognitive impairment (MCI), compared to healthy older adults. Few studies have objectively identified the visual cues and environmental factors that influence wayfinding in those with cognitive impairments. This study addresses this research gap by objectively identifying the visual environmental attributes influencing wayfinding among MCI subjects in a memory care facility compared to healthy older adults. Using eye-tracking technology, we investigated which visual environmental attributes attract eye fixation during wayfinding in care facilities. Forty-eight subjects, categorized into MCI and non-MCI groups, navigated through unfamiliar indoor environments while their eye movements were tracked. The results, in agreement with previous research, showed that MCI group exhibit significant reduced success rates and longer navigation times compared to non-MCI group. Findings of the eye-fixation rank-order analysis showed that MCI subjects prioritized directional signs and architectural features, while non-MCI subjects focused on identifying signs and informative elements. These findings emphasize the importance of tailored design practices for care facilities, highlighting specific visual cues crucial for guiding navigation in individuals with MCI. The study provides insight to guide architects and healthcare professionals in creating inclusive environments that support independence and well-being for older adults with cognitive impairments, advocating for interventions to enhance wayfinding in care facilities.