Addressing Dementia With Comedy At ‘Light Up Atlanta’
Courtesy of Village Theatre
We all fear dementia. Who wouldn’t? It’s not well-understood, and the condition is indiscriminate: 5.4 million people in the United States alone are living with Alzheimer’s or other forms of dementia.
Seventy percent of those patients are cared for by a family member or a friend, according to the Dementia Spotlight Foundation, which was founded by Robin Andrews and Whitney Oeltmann of Decatur, where the organization is headquartered.
The foundation is putting on a unique event of comedy, improv and conversation spotlighting the changing culture of dementia and the value of humor and laughter for all involved.
“Light Up Atlanta” takes place tonight (Monday, June 26) at The Buckhead Theatre.
It’s called “Light Up Atlanta” and features celebrity guest Jack McBrayer. Lois Reitzes spoke with the evening’s host, Carolyn Cook, an Atlanta actress and director caring for her mother who is diagnosed with dementia. They were joined by local actor, comedian and improviser Nick Gibbons, who will perform in tonight’s show.
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