We created the support group Gather to give people living with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) a place to talk openly, without judgment, about what they are experiencing. The group has become so popular that starting in August, it will meet weekly!
“Mild cognitive impairment is when someone is having memory issues that are more than we would anticipate simply based on their age, but we’re not necessarily seeing the diagnostic markers for Alzheimer’s disease or another type of dementia,” explains dementia educator Kobie Chapman, MSW, the group’s facilitator. “It’s kind of a gray area.”
While some people with MCI may eventually develop dementia, others do not. Regardless of what the future holds, people who are aware of their current brain changes need support. “They deserve a place to talk about what is happening to them,” Kobie says.
For Barbara Sciacca, 90, Gather has become that space. A former nurse, she appreciates both the emotional support and the practical tools. “I think it’s really helpful for people to share their feelings about things,” she says. “We share information about coping and how to develop coping skills.”
Here are four ways participants benefit from joining the group:
Feeling Understood and Accepted
One of the most meaningful parts of Gather is the validation people receive. Many members talk about moments when they struggle to find the right words or lose their train of thought. There can be a lot of anxiety and embarrassment with MCI. “But in here, they don’t have anxiety around that as they would elsewhere,” Kobie says. “Because in here, people will say, ‘Take your time. It’s OK. We know you’re trying.’ There’s an acceptance that people are maybe going to get from point A to point B a little differently than they used to. And it’s OK.” That acceptance can be a tremendous relief. “When someone else understands and encourages, it changes the experience. It’s a powerful balm.”
Less Isolation
The social anxiety that sometimes comes with MCI can lead people to withdraw. The group validation doesn’t just help in the meeting; it can build confidence in everyday interactions as well. “Humans are social creatures. We need people. We need connection,” Kobie says. “The reassurance they get here helps them feel more comfortable elsewhere.”
Tools and Strategies to Live Well with MCI
Gather is not only a place to talk about challenges, but also a place to discover strategies. People discuss topics like brain health, exercise, socialization, treatment options and the different ways to navigate the changes. “It’s very helpful. You have to work on it all the time,” Barbara says. “That’s the thing about life. You can’t stop. You have to pay attention.”
A Reminder That They Are Still Themselves
One of the greatest gifts of Gather is helping participants see that MCI does not erase who they are. Kobie says members often wrestle with this feeling of loss. “They’re straddling the space of, ‘I have lost something and I am still me. I still have value and still want purpose and I still want to contribute to the world around me, even though maybe my memory is not as strong as it used to be.’ ” As Gather continues to grow, Kobie takes joy in affirming that people with MCI have a place here and in the greater world. “You matter,” she says. “Even if you don’t always get the right words out, you’re a valued member of our community.”
Starting in August 2026, Gather will meet on campus every Wednesday from 12:30-1:30 p.m.
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