A pilot memory cafe for people with Learning Disabilities and memory difficulties

Memory cafes have been found to normalise experiences of dementia and provide access to an accepting social network. People with learning disabilities are at increased risk of developing dementia, but the possible benefits of attending a memory cafe are not known. This study evaluates a 12-week pilot memory cafe for people with learning disabilities in terms of adaptations required and benefits of attending. Results indicate that affect levels significantly improved across the course of the cafe and that communication, interaction, alertness and participation in other activities improved outside the cafe. Future plans for attendance at memory cafes for people with learning disabilities are discussed.