Dr. John Zeisel Brings “I'm Still Here” Philosophy to the Global Stage at 37th Alzheimer's Disease International Conference

Lexington, MA—July 28, 2026—I'm Still Here Foundation (ISHF) Founder Dr. John Zeisel took the stage at the 37th Global Conference of Alzheimer's Disease International (ADI), held earlier this year at the Palais des Congrès de Lyon. Convening more than 1,000 delegates from around the world—researchers, care partners, professionals, and people living with dementia—the biennial conference reported on progress toward the World Health Organization's global action plan on dementia.

Representing ISHF, Dr. Zeisel shared how thoughtful design can support independence, reduce stress, and create a true sense of belonging for people living with dementia.

In his presentation, “One Reality, Mental Scaffolding, and Neuro-Informed Space-Time Mind-Maps: Lessons from the Alzheimer's Village Henri Emmanuelli in Dax, France,” he discussed the Village Landais Alzheimer Henri Emmanuelli, which was designed by NORD Architects to create a normalized, sensory-rich community.

“The Alzheimer's Village shows the world what becomes possible when we treat the environment as part of the treatment itself,” noted Zeisel.

In his talk, he focused on three neuro-informed principles, One Reality, Mental Scaffolding, and Space-Time Mind-Maps, that are being studied at the village by France's National Institute of Health and Medical Research.

“When we accept a person's reality instead of correcting it, when we let the building itself do the remembering, and when we let movement through familiar places mark the passage of time, we stop asking people with dementia to live in our world and start designing a world that works with theirs,” he said.

At the conference, Dr. Zeisel also chaired, “Dementia Villages,” a panel discussion with  dementia professionals from Australia, France, Singapore, and Canada. 

“John's work in Lyon reflects our motto, ‘Hope in Action,’ on a global scale,” said Sharon Johnson, ISHF Executive Director. “From a memory cafe in rural Michigan to an Alzheimer's village in southwestern France, the principles are the same—meet people where they are, design for what they can do, and know that they are still here.”

Founded in 1995 as a nonprofit foundation, ISHF helps develop and disseminate research-informed, non-pharmacologic engagement programs so that people living with dementia can experience connection, dignity, and hope. ISHF programs have inspired initiatives at institutions ranging from MoMA and the Louvre to community theaters and libraries across the U.S. and Europe. To learn more, visit imstillhere.org.