Memory Cafe aims to help people with dementia enjoy fulfilling lives

A new social gathering for those who have been diagnosed with early dementia, along with their families and carers, has been launched in Galway.

The Memory Lane Cafe, organised by DREAM – Dementia Research Education Advocacy in Motion – is a monthly event that allows those suffering from dementia, their carers and families to meet and talk with others in their peer group.

“The Memory Lane Cafe is basically an opportunity for people to come together over a cup of tea or coffee and biscuits to share experiences, laughter and jokes,” said Heather Gately, founder of DREAM.

According to the DREAM website, it is very unusual to have both professionals and people with dementia at the same conference or convention. The Memory Lane Cafe allows those affected by dementia to meet health experts, professionals and experienced volunteers, who are happy to give advice on living with the illness and caring for someone with the illness.

Since the meetings began in May, the Memory Lane Cafe has seen more and more people attend to show support to their family members and each other, while meeting new people who have been diagnosed with the illness.

The meetings, held on the third Tuesday of every month, are held in an informal setting and a recent meeting featured musicians from Claregalway who performed some traditional Irish music for the group.

The Memory Lane Cafe will be held on Tuesday 20 August from 7.00pm to 8.30pm in CROÍ House, Moyola Lane, Newcastle, and is completely free.

To read more see this week’s City Tribune here

Further information and dates for future Memory Lane Cafe meetings can be found at www.mydementia.ie.