A new, virtual theatre program aimed at those with early stage Alzheimer’s and dementia, as well as Mild Cognitive Impairment diagnoses, as part of programming with the Georgia Chapter of the Alzheimer’s Association.
“The program is going to feature storytelling, it’s going to feature improvisation and all sorts of theatre art,” said Early Stage Program Director Mary Caldwell. “Being in a virtual format, we feel like it’s going to offer some entertainment, it’s going to offer some connection with others, and creative theatre arts has demonstrated to be very beneficial to those with dementia, according to neurologists.”
Aside from the creative elements, Caldwell said having a safe space to communicate was also a necessity. “There can be a lack of self-confidence that happens with a diagnosis,” she said. “It’s a scary diagnosis, it’s still a very scary diagnosis, but folks in the early stage are independent, vibrant folks that are oftentimes at an apex in their life, typically folks in their 60s and 70s.”
“With this theatre program, we’re pulling folks out, getting involved in others and in a safe space. Nobody cares if you forget something, we understand!”
According to the Alzheimer’s Association, more than 5 million Americans 65 and older are living with Alzheimer’s dementia in 2020, with 80% of those people 75 years old or older. The most recent census data shows just over 15% of the Hall County population - roughly 27,671 people of 179,684 total at the time of the completed 2010 census - falls into the category of 65 years old or older.
The Theatre Thursdays program is free, Caldwell said, just like several of their other programs, and is for both those with a diagnosis and their caregivers. Theatre Thursdays is a six week series, an hour and a half long, and features Atlanta-based professional actor Denise Arriba.
“She has a mother who has Alzheimer’s disease, and this is her way of volunteering with us,” Caldwell said.
If theatre isn’t your forte, Caldwell said they have about 20 programs a month, including support groups for people with early stage diagnoses and groups just for caregivers.
If you want to join in, or if you just need support, call the Alzheimer’s Association Early Stage Hotline at 1-800-272-3900 or find out more on the Georgia Chapter website.
