national comedy center alzheimers memory cafes.

The National Comedy Center has begun hosting regular “Memory Cafes,” inviting people with conditions like dementia and Alzheimer’s through the western New York museum to share laughs and connection. The Alzheimer’s Association estimates more than 7 million older Americans are living with Alzheimer’s dementia, and an even higher number of people care for them. Memory cafes have emerged around the world as a way to connect and support individuals and caregivers. The National Comedy Center held its first one earlier this year. Comedy Center staff say they heard from caregivers that loved ones with memory loss became more communicative while walking through the displays.