In 2014, a group of locals decided to create a safe space for people living with dementia along with their caregivers and loved ones. Dubbed the "Dementia Café," the once-a-month social gathering will celebrate 11 years of bringing people together in November.

Held every second Wednesday of the month at P.F. Chang's in Rancho Mirage, the Dementia Café is hosted by Alzheimers Coachella Valley board member Dee Wieringa and two volunteers.

Wieringa, who co-founded the local event with Anita Rufus, says the purpose is purely social. "There's no talking (about dementia), there's no presentations — this is a place where people traveling the same journey can get together, make new friends and enjoy being social. If they need education or support, we always have people there that can talk to t

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