Once you reach a ripe-old age, you’ve probably experienced one of those ‘senior moments’.
Perhaps you put the car keys down and can’t for the life of you think where, or maybe you mix up your grandchildren’s names and go through the houses until you get there.
Yes, being forgetful can be a little
embarrassing and your memory slowing down may just be a sign you’re getting older. But when it causes concern and starts affecting daily life, it may be a sign of the early stages of dementia. As the average life expectancy in the UK
surpasses 80, it’s no surprise that conditions like Alzheimer’s disease, the most common type of dementia, has been diagnosed in over 850,000 people.
and cake
Sharing memories
incorporates everything from arts and crafts sessions to films and poetry, with entertainment by Susan St Nicholas and Stevie Moore. Those living with dementia can sometimes lose interest in activities and socialising becomes challenging due to personality changes, low mood or anxiety. Tom hopes the memory café will continue to be a much-needed pick me up and encourage others with the disease and their carers and families to join in.
It is thought that one in three
people over 65 be diagnosed with some form of dementia; one in 14 over 65 and one in six will develop Alzheimer’s and one in every 20 cases of dementia will affect those younger than 65.
The statistics are somewhat frightening, especially if you have
Much more than just memory loss, dementia can have devastating effects on families coping with the disease as brain functioning worsens when the progressive neurological condition takes hold. To support those in Barnsley living with dementia and their families and carers, Tom Carberry, manager of Berneslai Café in Barnsley Town Hall, identified a need for valuable community action by opening up a memory café. Held on Sundays twice a month, the memory café is supported by Kathy Markwick, a member of Barnsley Rockley Rotary Club whose successful Superjam Tea Parties for the elderly, lonely or socially isolated spurred the idea to create a social group for dementia sufferers and their families, friends and carers. A time to enjoy together, the memory cafe
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Along with hosting the event, Tom and his team have recently become Dementia Friends, an initiative run by the Alzheimer’s Society to help those in the community understand what it is like to live with the disease.
By recognising the symptoms such as confusion, speech and mobility problems and difficulties making decisions, they can find compassionate ways to help and provide support to families or carers when their condition deteriorates.
Supported by the Mayor of Barnsley, Cllr Linda Burgess, some of the sessions are now funded by her charity which she has chosen to support those living with or affected by dementia. Businesses from across the region are also actively involved, providing financial support through sponsorship, as well as attending many of the events. Tickets for the memory café are just £5 which includes afternoon tea with homemade scones, cakes and unlimited tea or coffee.
already seen or experienced the disease in others around you. However, with support systems in place throughout the community, such as the memory café, people don’t have to go down the uncertain road alone.
Upcoming Memory Cafes
Bingo and Games Sunday 14th May Sunday 11th June
Sing-along and Dance with Susan St Nicholas
Sunday 28th May Sunday 25th June 11.30am-2.30pm
Entry £5 (includes afternoon tea)
Berneslai Café, Barnsley Town Hall, Church Street, Barnsley S70 2TA Tel: 07843895704
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