Living with memory loss or dementia, such as Alzheimer’s disease, can be very lonely. People with dementia and their caregivers often find that they aren’t able to be as social as they used to be. The challenges caused by dementia can take a lot of time, and people with dementia and caregivers may not have time to socialize. Some people with memory loss and dementia may also be self-conscious about their memory problems and may not want to meet up with friends and other people.
Memory cafés are one way that people with memory loss and dementia and their family members or caregivers can meet up with people in similar situations. Memory cafés usually take place once or twice a month for an hour or two. They are held at many different locations, like restaurants, cafés, libraries, and community centers. At memory cafés, people with memory loss and their caregivers can get together and have coffee, tea, pastries, and other snacks. There might be games, music, art, or other types of entertainment for guests to enjoy. They can have conversations with each other, provide support or advice, and meet new friends who are also dealing with memory loss and dementia.
Memory cafés are popping up all across the United States! If you would like to find a memory café in your area, or if you would like to start a memory café, please visit the Memory Café Directory. To learn more about memory cafés, you can visit Alzheimer’s Speaks or watch a video on YouTube about a memory café in Minnesota.
