JAMESTOWN, N.Y. (WKBW) — In a world where laughter often serves as the best medicine, Nick and Linda Manno from Jamestown embody this sentiment wholeheartedly.
"Laughter is a wonderful thing," said Nick, a regular at the National Comedy Center. "Laughing and being in here kind of takes my mind off my problems."
It's a problem that popped up earlier this year when Nick was diagnosed with Alzheimer's.
The two have been married for 29 years. Their story, rooted in humor, showcases how comedy can create connections even in the face of adversity.
"I found myself unable to talk in a whole sentence without my brain not functioning properly," Nick said.
While there is no cure for Alzheimer’s, its progression can be slowed down, which is why the couple joined in the Memory Café, a program launched by the Comedy Center.
"The Memory Café has helped Nick significantly," said Linda. "It brings back so many memories, filling in the empty spaces."
WATCH: 'Brings back so many memories': How the Memory Café at the National Comedy Center is changing lives
Every first Monday of the month, the Memory Café welcomes individuals with memory loss and their caregivers to experience the healing power of laughter. A study in Australia found that humor can lighten the mood and reduce stress hormones.
"He complains about other things, but not his health," Linda said. "He says we're gonna beat it. We're gonna do it."
Join the Laughter
The program is 100% free. If you or someone you know could benefit from this experience, register here.
This story was initially reported by a journalist and has been converted to this platform with the assistance of AI. Our editorial team verifies all reporting on all platforms for fairness and accuracy.
