DeKalb Commissioner Bradshaw spotlights county’s launch of Memory Cafés offering dementia-friendly activities

DECATUR, GA—DeKalb Commissioner Steve Bradshaw and the Board of Commissioners presented a proclamation on April 23 recognizing DeKalb County as dementia-friendly.

DeKalb will open its first Memory Cafés this summer at East Central DeKalb Community and Senior Center at 4885 Elam Road, Stone Mountain.

Memory Cafés focus on creating unique experiences with activities and education to include music, dancing, crafts and painting, and informal conversation to create new friendships and activities to foster reminiscing.

“I am excited that DeKalb County will be home to much needed Memory Cafés,” Commissioner Bradshaw said. “These resources will provide individuals dealing with memory loss and their caregivers creating a place to commune and participate in activities and educational sessions designed to enhance their quality of life. I am looking forward to all of the county centers creating Memory Cafés.”

Memory Cafés are designed to welcome individuals with Alzheimer’s Disease or any other form of dementia, or other brain disorders. Memory Cafés also include the care partner for a shared experience. Additionally, Memory Cafés are helpful for people with all forms of mild cognitive impairment.

Dementia is often considered to be a condition for the elderly, but younger people and thoses in their 40s, 50s and 60s are also impacted with early-onset dementia.

Because dementia affects people all over the county, the county’s Human Service Department has partnered with the State of Georgia and community members to find ways to provide a better quality of life for people living with the disease and to assist caregivers who give so much to loved one, county officials said.

“We’re thankful for the support to spotlight dementia in DeKalb County,” said Damon Scott, director of the DeKalb County Human Services Department. “It is extremely important to continue raising awareness and providing resources because its effecting thousands in our communities.”

For more information, contact Debra Furtado dlfurtado@dekalbcountyga.gov.