As the global population ages and the prevalence of dementia and Alzheimer's disease rises, the design of interior spaces has emerged as a critical factor in supporting the dignity and independence of those affected. Texas State University's Assistant Professor Nadim Adi, PhD, is at the forefront of this movement, blending research, education, and technology to make cognitive accessibility a standard consideration in interior design.
Adi, who teaches in the Department of Interior Design within the School of Family and Consumer Sciences, emphasizes that the physical environment often plays an overlooked role in dementia care. "If we design for physical accessibility, why should we not also design for cognitive accessibility?" he asks. His work addresses how elements like lighting, contrast, clutter, and wayfinding can either facilitate or hinder daily life for individuals with cognitive impairments.
Central to Adi's efforts is NuroNest, an early-stage AI platform designed to analyze images of interior spaces and identify potential environmental risks for people with dementia or age-related cognitive changes. The tool flags issues such as low contrast between surfaces, unclear pathways, visual clutter, and weak signage. While still in development, NuroNest aims to provide families, caregivers, and organizations with accessible insights, complementing the expertise of designers and healthcare professionals rather than replacing them.
Adi's research and teaching reinforce this vision. Together with Dr. Mais Aljunaidy, he co-authored An Introduction to Architectural Psychopathology, a textbook exploring how interior design can support individuals with mental disorders, including dementia. The pair also developed an interdisciplinary course at Texas State, launching in fall 2025, that trains students to create spaces for people with autism, dementia, depression, and other conditions. The course has garnered attention from Texas State News, Texas Public Radio, and Community Impact.
Adi's peer-reviewed publications include a systematic study on architecture and mental disorders in HERD: Health Environments Research & Design Journal, research using virtual reality to assess dementia-friendly hospital design, and work on AI and mental disorder art therapy. He has also delivered a TEDx talk on preparing buildings for an aging population and hosts discussions through Mental Design Labs.
The implications of this work are significant. By integrating cognitive accessibility into design education and leveraging AI, Adi is helping to shift how society approaches aging and dementia care. The built environment can become an active component of care, reducing confusion and stress while promoting safety and autonomy. This not only benefits individuals with cognitive challenges but also alleviates burdens on families and care systems.
Adi and his team are actively seeking collaborators and pilot partners, including community groups, senior living providers, healthcare organizations, and technology partners, to further validate and advance NuroNest. Their goal is to make dementia-supportive design more accessible and to foster environments that support all individuals as they age.
