The Memory Connections program has supported those living with mild cognitive impairment or early stages of memory loss since 2012, and this year, AGE of Central Texas made the program completely free.
“It's something that's a big deal for this population, because accessing a program like this early in their journey can make such a big difference,” Program Director Anna Tutum said.
Program details
Participants meet online once or twice a day and in person at least once a month. Each session blends together a range of different activities.
“We do a combination of cognitive exercises, guided discussions, ... social ‘get to know you’ groups and emotional support groups,” Tutum said.
The program’s cognitive exercises keep the brain active through simple activities such as word games, puzzles and trivia that spark both conversation and laughter. Creative outlets also give participants space to express themselves.
“[This program] helps people stay mentally active, because it’s easy to become isolated and draw back from their ... community after a diagnosis like this,” Tutum said. “It also helps them navigate the emotional impact of living with memory loss, especially with a peer community that really understands. They learn about their diagnosis and what they can do to be proactive. Really, it provides a lot of hope.”
Finding people who understand
For many, attending Memory Connections is their first time meeting others on the same memory-loss journey, and joining the group can be intimidating.
“It's something really new, and new can be scary at any time, especially in this vulnerable moment of receiving a difficult diagnosis,” Tutum said. “Often, folks tell me they look around, and they don't know anyone else that’s going through this, so there’s often a hesitancy.”
One participant who experienced this arrived reluctantly, not expecting to stay.
“He said, ‘I'm just not a joiner, but I'll give it a try.’ [The decision] was probably made to make other people in his life happy more than himself,” Tutum said. “As soon as he met the group, ... someone who thought that he would only attend once ended up being a regular. There really is that feeling of being a regular here, just like you would get at a coffee shop or in any other community.”
Tutum’s advice is simple:
“Give us one try. There's no cost, and there's no commitment,” she said. “As proud as we are of the benefits that our content provides, the community itself [does] so much of the work. Just come meet us and your welcoming peers who really understand. ... Seeing that there's still life after diagnosis and seeing that be true in each other is very empowering. It helps people believe that for themselves.”
Meeting a growing need
The demand for programs such as Memory Connections is only expected to rise.
“Texas, for example, has over 450,000 people over age 65 living with Alzheimer's, and that's just Alzheimer's,” Tutum said. “In addition, people are getting diagnosed earlier and earlier. ... All that to say, there are going to be a lot of people who can use a program like this.”
Ultimately, the program offers something rare: a place of encouragement.
“This program is a place of positivity and empowerment for a group that's often receiving anything but those messages,” Tutum said. “Though there’s no cure, there are tools and strategies to help you have the best quality of life possible. There is life after diagnosis.”
Discover how Memory Connections can help you or a loved one: learn more here.
The above story was produced by Multi Platform Journalist Sydney Heller with Community Impact's Storytelling team with information solely provided by the local business as part of their "sponsored content" purchase through our advertising team.
