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Getting diagnosed with Alzheimer’s can take time to come to terms with but memory cafés, also known as dementia cafés, can make a big difference. What is a memory cafe? They provide a platform where you can sit down with others diagnosed with Alzheimer’s or other forms of dementia as well as health professionals to talk about your diagnosis and get advice from people who understand.
The condition will affect people differently and each person with dementia will experience it in their own way. However, putting thoughts into words are one of the best ways to cope with receiving a diagnosis.
You can read Tommy’s story about his personal experience living with dementia.
This article explains what a memory café is, what the benefits are and where to find a memory cafe.
What is a memory café?
A memory café provides a safe space where anyone can go for a cup of tea and a chat with an experienced professional who understands dementia or meet others affected by dementia including families/carers.
The dementia-friendly cafés enable people with dementia and their carers to socialise and enjoy spending time with other people going through similar things.
A memory café can also provide advice and information for someone caring for a loved one with dementia, as supporting family members and carers are an important function of the cafés.
Memory cafés are located all across the UK and are run by volunteers, local community groups and national charities. They can be set up in community centres, village halls or hotels and are usually held on a regular basis.
Who set up the first memory cafe?
In 1997, a Dutch clinical psychologist named Dr. Bere Miesen founded the first Alzheimer’s café to bring people affected by dementia together. From Leiden University, the memory cafe culture spread to other countries, resulting in thousands of dementia cafés throughout the world.
What happens in a memory cafe?
Most cafés offer a variety of stimulating activities, such as arts and craft, quizzes, painting, sing-alongs and music therapy.
The people running memory cafés consist of volunteers who help with organising activities and serving tea, coffee and biscuits and have dementia professionals present to offer information and advice, or just to have an informal chat.
What are the benefits of a memory café?
Living with dementia and the difficulties it can bring can sometimes trigger depression. Depression is more common in people with dementia than those of the same age who do not have dementia. Visiting a memory café regularly to get support and take part in stimulating activities with other people can help you combat the depression.
Meeting other people in similar situations can curb feelings of loneliness and isolation.
If a memory café near you is open on a regular basis, it can also help with creating a routine.
Taking part in activities can help someone living with dementia keep active both physically and mentally.
Cognitive stimulation can slow down memory loss and keeping the brain active, such as through maintaining social contact, means that you continue to challenge yourself mentally, helping against memory problems.
Music therapy is known to be beneficial to the brain, improving both brain function and mood. Music can help people with dementia to keep their brain active and relieve stress and anxiety.
It can be an isolating experience if a loved one is diagnosed with dementia. Opening up and sharing experiences is only beneficial, it will help you create a better understanding of what your loved one is going through and how to work around the challenges.
Visiting memory cafés is also an opportunity to make friends and take a short break from caring responsibilities.
Finding a memory café near you
Memory cafés can be of huge help to both people living with dementia but also to the people with caring responsibilities, such as family members. If you are a carer, visiting a memory café can be a part of the dementia care you provide on a weekly basis.
How do you find a dementia cafe?
To find a local memory café, or local dementia café as it is sometimes known, you can use directories online or contact your local council which may be able to help.
The Alzheimer’s Society charity runs dementia cafés across the UK. Follow the link to search for cafés in your local area.
Memorycafedirectory.com lists memory cafés all across the UK. Click on your region and go down the list to find the café closest to you.
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