Memory Cafés have only been in Rhode Island for six months — the first opened in Providence in June — but they are popping up all over, opening at a rate of more than one a month.

Introduced locally by Laurie Mantz, an occupational therapist specializing in treating patients with dementia, Memory Cafés seek to address the isolation felt by individuals with dementia, as well as that felt by their care partners.

A Memory Café is an opportunity for individuals with all forms of memory loss, and their care partners, to meet others with similar concerns, socialize, learn new skills and support each other. Memory Cafés help to bridge the hardship on a care partner's health, social life, and finances by providing them with resources, skills, support and friendships. Memory Cafés are free to attend.

"I had heard of the success of Memory Cafés in other states," said Ms. Mantz. "We are replicating what they are doing with great success. It's a social gathering with patients and care partners, an opportunity to meet people on the same path.

It is a "soft" support group. We don't ask about people's diseases. The focus is on having a nice time; new knowledge is a bonus."

Dementia, by the numbers

• 1 out of 10 individuals over the age of 65 is currently living with some form of dementia.

• 1 out of 2 individuals over the age of 85 has dementia.

• 5.2 million Americans are currently diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease, which is only one form of dementia.

• A new case of Alzheimer’s disease is diagnosed every 66 seconds.

• By 2050 the number of individuals diagnosed is projected to triple.

 • As of Jan. 1, 2011, more than 10,000 baby boomers reach the age of 65 every day. And that will continue through 2031.

• People in their 30’s and 40’s are now being diagnosed with dementia. Current statistics estimate 500,000 individuals in the US are diagnosed with Early Onset Dementia.

• Alzheimer’s is the 6th leading cause of death in the US. Of the leading causes of death, Alzheimer’s is the only one that is increasing. All other causes of death are dropping.

All in the family

Ms. Mantz did not begin her career in elder care. She was actually a pediatric occupational therapist for several years, when a headhunter asked her if she had ever considered applying her skills in an assisted living facility.

Having watched both her grandmothers struggle with dementia in their later years, she felt a personal connection, so she left pediatrics behind and found her calling. She founded Dementia Training for Life, a company that offers training and support for all — heath care professionals and families — who find themselves in the position of caring for people suffering from dementia. Dedicated to the care, dignity, and well-being of individuals diagnosed with dementia, Dementia Training for Life seeks to educate all professionals who interact with or provide services for seniors, as well as be a resource for families. They also offer professional training programs which can lead to national certification as a dementia practitioner.

"I decided to teach other healthcare professionals how to advocate for these people so that they can have a purposeful life," said Ms. Mantz.

It's not just about Alzheimer's

There is a lot of attention paid to Alzheimer's, rightly, but it is far from the only culprit when it comes to dementia. "There are at least a hundred diseases that can cause dementia," said Ms. Mantz. "Lyme disease, urinary tract infections, metabolic disorders, gluten intolerance…."

Even hearing loss can present as dementia. But those people aren't losing memories, they are failing to make them. A good doctor may sort it out, but a lot of these things are easily missed."

For those patients whose dementia cannot be cured with antibiotics or a hearing aid, there is still hope, and opportunities to better their quality of life. "You have to look at an individual, and see where they are on that day," said Ms. Mantz. "Skills can fluctuate."

People react to their environment. You can treat symptoms of dementia by creating the right environment and supporting independence."

Local Memory Cafés

Here are the dates and times of Memory Cafés currently being held in the East Bay and on Aquideck Island.

Tiverton Memory Café at the Tiverton Senior Center
Co-sponsored by Brookdale Sakonnet Bay
3rd Monday of every month from 1 to 2:30 p.m.

Warren Memory Café at the Warren Senior Center
Co-sponsored by Grace Barker Health
1st Thursday of every month from 1 to 2:30 p.m.

Newport Memory Café at Newport Public Library
Co-sponsored by St. Clare-Newport
4th Thursday of every month from 10 a.m. to noon

Additional Memory Cafés are held in Providence, Lincoln, Cranston, and Westerly. For more information on Memory Cafés and Dementia Training for Life, visit Dementiatraining4life.com.