This is what you call an innovative therapeutic project

 

With the number of people with Alzheimer’s growing, France is taking a different approach to handling the disease. A multimillion-dollar village has been designed as part of an experimental treatment for sufferers of Alzheimer’s disease and its construction is now happening in the south of France.

The village mimics the life outside hospital care and will house 20 people. Residents will be able to access facilities such as shops, supermarket, hairdressing salons, a library, a gym, a restaurant and a small farm allowing them to have a social life despite their conditionThe idea is that an increase in freedom will also increase happiness, and bring down the need for medication.

“They will find a form of integrity, social, human. They will do their shopping, go to the hairdresser, the bistro, the restaurant, the theater,” Neurologist Jean-François Dartigues shares. “They will have fun. Which constitutes a form of extraordinary therapy.”

In addition to medical staff, researchers and volunteers who organize activities will become a part of village life. The Alzheimer’s Village is currently under construction, with an aim of opening by the end of 2019.

Alzheimer's Village in FranceRendering of Alzheimer's Village in FranceChampagnat et Gregoire Plan for French Alzheimer's VillageChampagnat et Gregoire Plan for French Alzheimer's VillageChampagnat et Gregoire Plan for French Alzheimer's Village

Alzheimer Village, healthcare facility, Alzheimer's disease, therapeutic architecture, NORD Architects, green architecture, France, healthcare, cultural center

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