The Landais Alzheimer Village: A Community United by Dementia

Landais Alzheimer, located in south-west France, is a unique village where all residents have dementia. The village features a shop that provides essential groceries like baguettes, which are offered for free to eliminate the need for residents to remember their wallets. The main restaurant in the village serves as a social hub, where residents can enjoy coffee and connect with one another. During a conversation with Francis, a former farmer who has Alzheimer's, he describes the difficulty of receiving his diagnosis. However, he remains unafraid, emphasizing the importance of living life to the fullest despite the disease. The village encourages residents to engage in various activities, including attending the theater and participating in communal events. Philippe and Viviane, a couple who both have dementia, express their happiness and contentment with their lives in the village. They go on walks and enjoy the natural surroundings. The village operates on a flexible schedule, allowing residents the freedom to manage their own time without strict appointments or constraints. The village's impact on the course of the disease is being closely monitored by Prof Hélène Amieva. Early results suggest that the village has a positive effect on the cognitive decline of residents, with a smooth and gradual progression of the disease. Families also experience a reduction in feelings of guilt and anxiety. The village provides a safe and peaceful environment for residents, offering individual chalets with communal areas for socializing and shared activities. The running costs are covered mainly by the regional French government, which invested millions of dollars to establish the village. It is the second of its kind and part of a research project, attracting global attention and interest as a potential solution to the growing challenge of dementia. Residents, like Patricia, express their gratitude for the opportunity to live a fulfilling life in Landais Alzheimer. They appreciate the sense of community and the meaningful activities provided, in contrast to the boredom and lack of engagement experienced at home or other care facilities. The social aspect of the village is believed to contribute to a happier and potentially healthier life with dementia. Although there is no cure for dementia, each resident in Landais Alzheimer receives the necessary support as their condition progresses. The staff believes that with this support, the progression of the disease can be slowed down, allowing for more joyful moments in the residents' lives.