In a podcast episode from the Positive Aging Community, Steve Gurney welcomed Mary Ek, Director of Dementia Friendly America (DFA), and Beth Soltzberg of the Memory Care Alliance to discuss Memory Cafes—innovative gatherings that transform community support for people living with dementia and their caregivers. This article summarizes their insights on the origins, impact, and future of Memory Cafes, emphasizing how these programs foster connection, reduce isolation, and challenge stigma.The Roots of Dementia Friendly AmericaMary Ek describes DFA not just as an organization, but a growing nationwide movement dedicated to building communities where people with dementia and their care partners can thrive. DFA began in Minnesota in 2011 as "Act on Alzheimer's" and expanded nationally after the 2015 White House Conference on Aging. Today, DFA partners with USAging, spans 400 communities, and supports over 225,000 trained “Dementia Friends”—people who learn to recognize dementia and respond supportively.Ek explains, “We do this through a multi-sector approach, knowing that everyone has a role in creating communities that welcome and engage those living with dementia and their care partners.” One recent DFA focus is its partnership with the Memory Cafe Alliance, whose directory and resources are now hosted on the DFA website.What Is a Memory Cafe?Beth Soltzberg, whose social work at Jewish Family & Children’s Service in Boston made her a leader of Memory Cafes, reports starting with eight participants in 2014; her network now serves nearly 2,000. Memory Cafes, originating in Holland and now global, offer welcoming, fun social gatherings for people experiencing cognitive changes and those who care about them.Cafes vary widely—some feature artists or musicians, others emphasize casual conversation. Venues range from libraries and museums to gardens and bowling alleys. A short video from the podcast captures their spirit: “Memory Cafes are welcoming gatherings for those with cognitive changes or dementia, along with caring family, friends, and professionals. It’s a social hour, which everyone needs.” Attendees say things like, “I learned joy at a memory cafe,” reflecting real emotional uplift.Combating Isolation and StigmaDementia can cause deep isolation due to symptoms, stigma, or misunderstanding. Soltzberg stressed how activities once enjoyed may become harder, increasing loneliness. Memory Cafes provide joyful, normalizing spaces to build new relationships and strengthen existing ones.By emphasizing fun and belonging, Cafes counter stigma. Soltzberg notes, “People can live with dementia for many years. They need to keep living their lives.” Ek points out that DFA’s Dementia Friends program teaches meaningful engagement for non-professionals, turning uncertainty into positive action.Real-Life Stories of ImpactPersonal stories reveal the transformative power of Memory Cafes. Soltzberg recounted helping a woman invite her decades-long friend with dementia to a music-themed Cafe. The invitation rekindled friendship and gave remote relatives peace of mind, knowing a joyful activity was scheduled. Ek shared how a man, long after his wife’s passing, remained close to other caregivers he’d met at a Cafe—proof that these are more than events, but life-changing connections.These interconnected initiatives remind us that dementia can be a catalyst for community and deeper connection. Soltzberg concluded, “People can live well with dementia. We need to work together to support that.” Learn more and find or launch a Memory Cafe at dfamerica.org or memorycafedirectory.com.