Most of us don’t spend much time thinking about how easy it is to recognize the buildings in our neighbourhood, or to find our way around streets close to home. 

 

Living with dementia can change a person’s perception, senses, thinking, and problem solving. Further, many people living with dementia rely on walking and transit to navigate the city, spending much of their time close to home. 

 

Neighbourhoods need things like local shops and services, interesting parks, safe streets, and accessible transit to be comfortable and inclusive for everyone. These elements benefit all community members, but are especially important to ensure that people living with dementia can safely travel to destinations in the neighbourhood. 

 

Regular neighbourhood outings foster social connections with the community, increase physical and mental health—and can help slow the progression of dementia.