  Sound environment is a prime source of conscious and unconscious information
which allows listeners to place themselves, to communicate, to feel, to
remember. The author describes the process of designing a new audio interactive
apparatus for Alzheimer's care, in the context of an active multidisciplinary
research project led by the author in collaboration with a longterm care centre
(EHPAD) in Burgundy (France), a geriatrician, a gerontologist, psychologists
and caregivers. The apparatus, named Madeleines Sonores in reference to
Proust's madeleine, have provided virtual soundscapes sounding for a year for
14 elderly people hosted in the dedicated Alzheimer's unit of the care centre,
24/7. Empiric aspects of sonic interactivity are discussed in relation to
dementia and to the activity of caring. Scientific studies are initiated to
evaluate the benefits of such a disposal in Alzheimer's disease therapy and in
caring dementia.
