Memory cafés are expanding across the United States, mirroring the dramatic increase in Americans who have or are expected to have Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias (ADRD) in coming years. By offering social support and connection, socialization, health, and wellbeing to participants at any stage of disease progression, and to caregivers, memory cafés are of increasing interest to funders for the critical need they meet and unique supports they provide.

In August 2020, the Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. Foundation and Health Foundation for Western & Central New York commissioned The Philanthropic Initiative (TPI) to conduct an environmental scan of memory cafés with emphasis on their development in the U.S. The scan:

· Defines and describes memory cafés, including core characteristics
· Summarizes the demonstrated benefits for participants and caregivers
· Articulates effective components and best practices with practical guidelines and tools
· Identifies drivers of successful memory café expansion
· Explores potential applications of the model with other populations.

In brief, memory cafés take place in community venues, usually scheduled for two hours once or twice a month on a drop-in basis. Visitors listen to music, sing, play games, engage in the arts, and socialize. Importantly, care partners stay to enjoy activities and community with the guest and other attendees.

Four benefits cited in the scan include: normalizing people living with ADRD and their care partners; allowing care partners to develop networks and reduce social isolation; fostering participation by those with ADRD in activities with creative and cognitive stimulation; and acting as a cost-effective entry point for guest and caregiver support. Most cafés include or have access to professionals who can be resources for concerns and support. Foundation grants have financed memory café planning, operations, regional expansion, technical assistance support, and regional networking opportunities for memory cafés.

Read the full blog here to learn more about the scan’s results and how to download the full report to get started or expand your own giving around memory cafés.