Posted under Blog on March 15th, 2013 by Editorial Team / No Comments

A recent visit by Scottish politician John Pentland to the Living Well with Dementia Café held monthly at Motherwell Football Club has helped to highlight the valuable role played by such facilities.

Established in 2011, the Living Well with Dementia Café offers people with concerns over memory loss, or with a diagnosis of dementia, a place to gather, share their experiences and receive practical support.  The hard-working team behind the café hopes to build awareness of dementia, tackle stigma associated with the condition and provide advice on how dementia sufferers can continue to live safely in their communities.   The café also offers a memory clinic – the first step towards diagnosis and getting appropriate advice and assistance.

Speaking after the visit, Mr Pentland, a Member of the Scottish Parliament, said: “This is a fantastic service which provides a regular meeting point for people with dementia and Alzheimer’s and their carers to meet with healthcare professionals.”

This inspirational Scottish café is one of many such resources aimed at providing a social outlet for those living with, or concerned about, Alzheimer’s. 

Another neighborhood café, in Seattle, Washington, focuses on creating memories for those who have trouble remembering.  Started by the Greenwood Senior Center in north central Seattle, the Ampersand Pantry and Café, nicknamed the Alzheimer’s Café, offers dance, song and discussion groups for people suffering with Alzheimer’s. 

Marie Trainer, whose husband lost his battle with Alzheimer’s last year, described the camaraderie of the group. “Coming here there were no expectations,” she said. “He really enjoyed it.”

With the numbers of those living with dementia rising yearly, innovative and supportive ways of caring for those with the condition – and their loved ones – have become increasingly important.

Learn more about Seattle’s ‘Alzheimer’s Café’ here.

Tags: Alzheimer's, Dementia cafe, Scotland, Seattle