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Mr Jonathan Leong initially felt awkward when attending his first Memories Cafe event, organised by Dementia Singapore, to help people with dementia and their caregivers interact in a normal cafe setting. Though nervous about interacting with those affected by dementia, he soon found joy in dancing with an elderly woman during the event. In May, as a second-year student at SP’s Media, Arts & Design School, he and his peers organised a Memories Cafe at the polytechnic. Now, as a volunteer with Dementia & Co., he regularly plays music and dances with people with dementia, even participating in a talent show and learning dances like the cha-cha. His perception of dementia has changed, realising that people with the condition can still enjoy life, be social, and engage in hobbies.

[The Straits Times]