JAMESTOWN, N.Y. (AP) – Amid the lively atmosphere of the National Comedy Center, Gail and Mario Cirasunda found themselves reminiscing as they watched a clip from the 1980s sitcom "Family Ties." The scene featured Mallory, the show's oldest daughter, introducing her unconventional artist boyfriend Nick to her bemused family. Gail laughed, recalling, "I think our daughter brought him home once. Maybe two of our daughters!" Her husband, Mario, 85, chimed in with a smile, recalling their own family filled with five daughters and two sons. This dynamic, characterized by joy and memory, has highlighted their 59-year marriage.
Moments like these are what attracted the Cirasundas to the memory cafe hosted every month at this interactive museum. These events are specifically designed for individuals with Alzheimer's, dementia, and other memory loss issues, along with their caregivers. For visitors like Mario, who is dealing with dementia, the scenes and artifacts from well-known comedic shows invoke shared laughter and connection. As the staff at the comedy center have noted, these shared moments can also elicit important memories.
Gail, 78, cherishes the times when Mario, though his memories of their life together have become increasingly vague over recent years, engages and recalls aspects of their shared history. Their journey began with a blind date in 1965 after Mario completed his service in the Navy, leading to a family of seven children, 24 grandchildren, and eight great-grandchildren. However, as Mario's dementia progressed, everyday tasks like driving and remembering food preferences became increasingly difficult.
During one of the recent memory cafe events, the Cirasundas, who are from suburban Buffalo, enjoyed exploring the museum inspired by "I Love Lucy" star Lucille Ball. Together, they smiled through classic bits from "The Tonight Show" hosted by Johnny Carson, examined George Carlin's personal notes, and shared laughter over iconic comedy props such as the banana peel and the slapstick pie-in-the-face.
During a break in the museum’s restaurant, a nostalgic clip from "Family Ties" evoked laughter and emotional connections. Gail expressed the significance of these moments, stating, "The moments are precious because he might not remember it, but when you’re there talking about it, you’re remembering. Five minutes later, it’s gone – but you had that moment." This highlights the fleeting but invaluable nature of memories shared amidst the struggles of cognitive decline.
The Alzheimer’s Association estimates that approximately 7.2 million Americans aged 65 and older are living with Alzheimer’s dementia, with many more family members and friends acting as caregivers. Memory cafes have emerged as a global phenomenon, offering support and connection for individuals experiencing memory challenges along with their caregivers. In the U.S., over 600 cafes operate regularly, often held in libraries and community centers, providing speakers, physical activities, music, and art—all beneficial for cognitive health.
The National Comedy Center initiated its first memory cafe earlier this year, revealing how comedy can engage and positively impact visitors suffering from memory loss. Gary Hahn, a spokesman for the center, described it as a "time machine," providing a nostalgic journey through comedy history that resonates with individuals regardless of age. Anecdotes from visitors emphasize how humor can stimulate engagement and verbal expression in people with dementia, showcasing its therapeutic benefits.
Shelia Kennison, an author and psychology professor, reinforces how humor can have far-reaching positive effects on the human brain and body. Her research indicates that humor activates a significant portion of the brain during processing, which triggers a cascade of physiological changes beneficial for overall wellbeing. This connection to humor has always been a cornerstone in the Cirasunda family, as they encouraged laughter through shared experiences like Peter Sellers' "Pink Panther" films.
Gail recalls advice she received before marrying Mario: "Keep a sense of humor in your marriage." Despite the challenges they face, she has embraced this wisdom wholeheartedly, ensuring that laughter remains a vital part of their journey together.
