Laugharne Memory Cafe

05/06/2026

Why does a person with dementia walk past the bathroom?

Why do they say there is no food on the plate when the plate is full?

Why do they refuse to step on a dark rug?

The answer may be hiding in plain sight: color.

As dementia progresses, the brain doesn’t just lose memory. It also becomes less efficient at processing visual information. The brain may struggle to distinguish similar colors, judge depth, recognize objects, and interpret what the eyes are seeing.

This is why the dementia brain often depends on color and contrast to make sense of the world.

A white toilet against a white floor may seem to disappear.

A white plate on a white tablecloth may look empty.

A dark rug may be perceived as a hole in the ground.

A bathroom door painted a contrasting color may suddenly become easier to find.

Color becomes a form of communication.

🔴 Red calls for attention.

🔵 Blue promotes orientation and calm.

🟢 Green supports comfort and restoration.

🟡 Yellow improves visibility and clarity.

The real secret, however, is not color alone. It is contrast.

The dementia brain often sees contrast better than subtle shades. When important objects stand out from their surroundings, the brain spends less energy trying to interpret the environment and more energy engaging with life.

This is why dementia-friendly design is not simply about making a home beautiful.

It is about making a home understandable.

Small changes can make a remarkable difference:

✔ Contrasting plates at mealtimes

✔ Colorful bathroom doors

✔ Furniture that stands out from walls

✔ Good lighting with reduced glare

✔ Clear visual cues throughout the home

When we understand how the dementia brain sees the world, we can create environments that reduce frustration, increase independence, and preserve dignity.

Because sometimes the most powerful intervention is not a medication.

Sometimes it is simply helping the brain see.

“The dementia brain works harder to understand the world. Color is not decoration. It is communication.”

Meri L. Gaumond

brainhealth aging occupationaltherapy dementiafriendlydesign neuroscience

03/06/2026

https://m.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=1476195744548239&id=100064734818657

Dementia isn’t one-size-fits-all and neither are its symptoms.

Alzheimer’s disease, vascular dementia, frontotemporal dementia and dementia with Lewy bodies are among the most common types – and each affects the brain in different ways.

From memory loss and confusion to changes in behaviour, language or movement, the symptoms can vary widely depending on the type of dementia.

This guide highlights some of the common symptoms linked to each illness, but it’s also important to remember that no two people experience dementia in the same way.

By recognising the different signs, including these lesser-known symptoms, we can spot changes earlier and help more people access an early diagnosis.

[Image description:
A graphic split into four different sections illustrates common symptoms associated with Vascular dementia, Alzheimer's disease, Dementia with Lewy bodies and Frontotemporal dementia. From top left to bottom right:
Central text reads, 'Alzheimer's disease.' This is surrounded by text reading, 'Difficulties with thinking and reasoning; Language problems; Memory problems; Changes to how you see and hear things; Getting lost in a familiar place; Mood changes.' Each piece of text is accompanied by a graphic illustrating the symptom.
Central text reads, 'Vascular dementia.' This is surrounded by text reading, 'Problems planning and organising; Short periods of sudden confusion; Slower speed of thought; Problems concentrating; Trouble following a series of steps; Problems with memory and language.' Each piece of text is accompanied by a graphic illustrating the symptom.
Central text reads, 'Dementia with Lewy bodies.' This is surrounded by text reading, 'Tremors; Depression and anxiety; Hallucinations; Swinging between alertness and sleepiness; Trouble concentrating; Difficulties with walking and movement.' Each piece of text is accompanied by a graphic illustrating the symptom.
Central text reads, 'Frontotemporal dementia.' This is surrounded by text reading, 'Socially inappropriate behaviour; Personality changes; Problems with language; Eating or drinking excessively; Repetitive or obsessive behaviour; Trouble planning and organising.' Each piece of text is accompanied by a graphic illustrating the symptom.]

31/05/2026

🧠 Different Dementias Affect Different Parts of the Brain

One of the greatest misconceptions about dementia is believing that all dementias are the same.

They are not.

Different dementias affect different regions of the brain, which means they create different symptoms, different behaviors, different emotional responses, and different caregiving challenges.

Alzheimer’s disease often begins in the memory centers of the brain, which is why short-term memory loss is commonly one of the first signs families notice.

Frontotemporal Dementia (FTD) affects the frontal and temporal lobes, so personality changes, impulsivity, loss of empathy, inappropriate behavior, or language difficulties may appear long before memory problems.

Lewy Body Dementia can cause vivid visual hallucinations, Parkinson-like movement changes, sleep disturbances, and dramatic fluctuations in alertness and cognition from hour to hour.

Vascular Dementia is often connected to strokes or reduced blood flow in the brain and may decline in a “stepwise” pattern rather than gradually.

Posterior Cortical Atrophy (PCA) affects visual processing areas of the brain. Someone may struggle to read, recognize objects, judge depth, or navigate spaces even when memory still seems relatively preserved.

This is why education matters.

When care partners understand the brain behind the behavior, they stop taking symptoms personally and begin responding with greater compassion, patience, and wisdom.

A person living with dementia is not “giving you a hard time.”
Very often, they are having a hard time because their brain is processing the world differently.

Behavior is communication.
Confusion is communication.
Fear is communication.
Repetition is communication.

The more we understand the changing brain, the better we can create safety, dignity, connection, and peace at home. 💙

PCA CarePartners DementiaEducation BrainHealth DementiaCareAtHome

22/05/2026

There is lots going on this with Peoplespeakup, Adferiad, Carmarthenshire County Council, Age Cymru Dyfed, National Trust, , Parkinson's UK, Arts Care Gofal Celf Projects, and many others.
https://ctcww.org.uk/events/carers-week/

19/05/2026

We had a day of treats today at Laugharne Memory Cafe … because we’re all worth it!
First a special treat from Clive Roberts. For the past 4 or 5 years, on behalf of Laugharne Corporation (and Carmarthenshire County Council) Clive has maintained a portion of the Wales Coastal Path and his payment for this work he kindly donates to charity. This year he has decided to donate equally to Laugharne Memory Cafe and Croeso Cynnes Laugharne CIC, two local volunteer-led groups his father Dai has enjoyed. So we were delighted to receive a cheque for £250 today and Clive knows it will be put to good use. We are very grateful.

Then on top of this fabulous community support we all enjoyed many other treats. Zoe treated us to another fun ‘name that song’ game as well as an opportunity to visit radio shows from yesteryear; and we all had the opportunity to decorate some delicious cupcakes to take home as well as some special paintings and pictures.

Another afternoon of smiles, laughter, relaxed chat and friendly support. Grateful thanks once again to Megan and The Carpenters Arms for their generous hospitality.

We’ll see you again next month 16 June with fun, games and Dave and his Guitar.

16/05/2026

Everything is ready for our next session on Tuesday 19 May 2.00-4.00 at The Carpenters Arms, Broadway.
We’ll have music, games, painting, chat and homebakes waiting for you in a safe, friendly space.
Come along and relax and unwind for a while. What are you waiting for?

05/05/2026

🌟🌟 Calling All Unpaid Carers in Carmarthenshire! 🌟🌟

❗ ❗ ❗ Limited availability now remaining❗ ❗ ❗

We saw the joy on the faces of carers who stayed with us in the past, so we have decided to do it all again!
We see the dedication, love, and effort you put into your role every single day. Now it’s time to focus on YOU and your care recipient/supported individual
We’re offering a FREE one-night stay at Caban Pendine, complete with Dinner and Breakfast – our heartfelt way of saying thank you for everything you do.
🌟Accessible rooms available
🌟 Dog-friendly rooms
🌟Family rooms
☎️ Call us today on 01267 224622 and quote FREE CARERS STAY to check availability and secure your well-deserved break.
Hurry – spaces are limited, so don’t miss this opportunity to recharge and relax!
Carer ID card must be shown upon check-in.

05/05/2026

https://m.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=1443396747828139&id=100064734818657

‘People with dementia are brushed to the side, they are not on the radar. Cancer has a pathway, with dementia you still have to navigate it all yourself.’

Adam works for Alzheimer’s Society, and cared for his beloved mum, Alice, who had vascular dementia. Sadly, Adam’s dad, Tony, also passed away from cancer during his mum’s illness.

‘After Mum’s diagnosis, I tried to navigate the disease myself as best I could, trying to find out what would happen and how to look after Mum, with no support from the GP or the Memory Clinic.

‘When Dad was diagnosed with cancer, his care included Macmillan Nurses as part of his Cancer Pathway. This was in sharp contrast to Mum’s dementia, which had no clear pathway and no care allocation.

‘After Dad died in 2020, Mum deteriorated more quickly.

‘I reached out to ask for help, but I felt isolated, without any clear support network. There was no support from the GP, Memory Clinic or Social Services.

'I did a lot on my own. I was never given any literature or signposted to organisations for support.

‘The Social Worker did put a care package in place, but I needed to be Mum’s advocate and fight for everything. I had 4 different Social Workers in 12 months and I found it challenging to negotiate their duty and understand what we were entitled to.

‘I was Mum’s full-time carer, doing the best I could. I was so stressed that I once called the paramedics as I thought I was having a heart attack!

‘In 2022, Social Services said they could not pay the level of home support that they had been and either I give up my job or Mum would have to go into a care home.

‘I could not afford to give up my job as we couldn’t exist on the Carer’s Allowance, so Mum moved into a care home. She passed away in early 2023.

‘Social Services should have people who are specialists in dementia and have more extensive training to support families and people affected. Right now, it is a postcode lottery for the care and services available across the UK.

‘I hope by telling my story I can help others who are caring for a loved one with a dementia diagnosis.’

19/04/2026

Looking forward to our next session on Tuesday 21 April at The Carpenters Arms.
John is joining us and leading the Boccia games. Everyone can join in, if they wish or else just enjoy the chat, music and games regularly available.
See you 2.00 - 4.00 on Tuesday