RAPID CITY, S.D. (KOTA) – According to the Alzheimer’s Association, the number of Americans living with Alzheimer’s is growing fast.

More than 6 million people in the United States are living with the disease.

Wendy Abbott, whose mom lived with Alzheimer’s Disease for more than a decade co-founded Western South Dakota Dementia Coalition over two years ago.

The non-profit connects caregivers to resources and provides education to the community about the umbrella of dementia.

“It was very isolating and very frustrating just to get some education and support in the area, and unfortunately there are families that still feel that way even today. And so, we want to create more opportunities to feel like they’re not alone,” says Abbott on her family’s difficulty finding support in the area.

One of those opportunities is the Black Hills Memory Café. Open to both people with dementia and their caregivers.

Members of the nonprofit have created a fun and relaxing atmosphere where people can enjoy food, music, and a chance to connect with those in similar situations.

“I was just talking to a husband this morning who cares for his wife, and he was just talking about how good it was. The places that they’re able to go together socially are narrowing all the time and here they come he enjoys it; he participated in the program as much as she did,” added Rachel Waddell, a volunteer with the Black Hills Memory Café.

The Black Hills Memory Café is held on the third Tuesday of every month from 10 to 11:30 a.m. at Fork Real Café in Rapid City.

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