Dear Ally,

My mother was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease 3 years ago and still lives alone.  She used to love to go out and socialize.  We would go to concerts and out to eat, but now she says she is feels self-conscious going out.  She doesn’t go out anymore. Can you suggest an activity that is “dementia friendly” that she might enjoy?

Sincerely,

Concerned Daughter

Dear Concerned Daughter,

As humans, we are wired to be social. All too often, as Americans grow older, retire, lose loved ones, their social connections shrink. The Surgeon General has called social isolation and loneliness a national epidemic that impacts mental and physical health. In the United States, nearly a quarter of adults aged 65 and older living in the community are socially isolated, and 43% of adults over the age 60 report feeling lonely.

For individuals living with memory loss, or Alzheimer’s disease or other dementias, this can become more pronounced. Dementia can create barriers to social engagement. Symptoms such as difficulty recalling names, knowing the date, knowing the time or trying to remember events can cause people with dementia to withdraw. Dr. Bere Miesen, a Dutch psychiatrist introduced the Memory Café concept in 1997 as a way to break through the stigma associated with dementia.  The diagnosis typically “wasn’t discussed” and those living with the disease – and their caregivers – were suffering in silence. The concept of a Memory Café spread throughout Europe, to Ireland and England, Australia and eventually to the United States. Today, there are hundreds of Memory Cafés throughout the United States.

JFS has a monthly Memory Café featuring live music and other creative activities that both a person with dementia and their care partner can enjoy.  Memory Cafés are specifically designed to foster connection, support, and joy for both the person with dementia and their care partner. JFS Memory Cafés are designed to be welcoming inclusive spaces that provide a supportive environment for individuals living with dementia. These cafés create a warm and inviting atmosphere where both individuals with memory loss and their care partners can come together, share experiences and connect with others. The atmosphere is relaxed. Memory Cafés provide an environment that eases anxiety and encourages social interaction.

Each month, JFS Memory Cafés provide an engaging activity that caters to individuals with varying cognitive abilities. From live music, movement and art to storytelling and games, these activities are intended to stimulate creativity and provide a shared experience. The goal is not only to provide entertainment for an individual with dementia, but also to provide a compassionate space where you as a daughter and caregiver can meet others in a similar situation and share coping strategies in your caregiving journey. In addition, there are experts from Allies in Aging JFS Elder Care Solutions on hand to answer questions and share resources. These cafés become spaces where everyone feels understood and accepted, reducing the isolation families experience when a loved one is diagnosed with dementia.

We hope you will join us at one of the memory cafes listed below.

These Memory Cafes take place at Temple Beth Am (300 Pleasant Street, Framingham. From 1:00-2:30 pm.

• September 11, 2024- Participatory Drum Circle led by Cornell Coley, M.Ed.- educator and musician.
• October 16, 2024- Klezmer Music Concert with saxophonist Nat Seelen
• November 13, 2024- Celtic Harp Music Concert with music therapist Linda Lasalle

Memory Cafés demonstrate the power of community, compassion, and creativity in the face of cognitive challenges and ongoing loss. In this space, individuals find not only support but also fun and laughter.

If you are interested in attending, please register with Laila at 508-875-3100×550 or by e-mail lvehvilainen@jfsmw.org.

We hope to see you there!