Although there are recommendations regarding dementia-friendly architecture, studies on design features and their impact on quality of life of patients with dementia are quasi-nonexistent. The design of the environment is one of the non-pharmacological methods in the assistance of patients with dementia.

Setting a checklist of design principles in order to assess centers for elderly with dementia; identifying the types of centers where will be applied the checklist; implementation of the checklist and determining results of assessment.

Our aim is to challenge the contemporary architecture of centers for elderly to be friendly with dementia patients.

After studying literature we built a check-list of 8 principles: providing a comfortable space and also a therapeutically environment; functionality and efficiency; flexibility and accessibility; optimal design of circulation routes in order to avoid disorientation and to reduce agitation; security and safe; aesthetics; sanitation; sustainability. We then performed a case-study on two types of settings, day care centers and respite centers, and we applied the check list on three examples: two urban Day Care Centers for patients with Alzheimer Dementia (2006, Pontevedra, Spain and 2011, Alicante, Spain) and a Respite Center (2009, Dublin, Ireland).

In general, the centers are verifying the proposed checklist. Four architectural tools were identified: light, form, colour and texture. Form is more recognizable than colour and colour more recognizable than function.

Architecture contributes to increase quality of life in people with dementia. The proposed checklist is a promising tool for assessing dementia-friendly design.

The authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.