JAMESTOWN, N.Y. — If laughter is truly the best medicine, then the National Comedy Center in Jamestown has prescribed just what longtime caregiver Christy Elicker ordered.

Clem Rossi, 79, has good days and bad days with early-stage dementia.

"When he's having a real bad day, you feel helpless. You just don't know how to help him, because you don't want to dismiss what he's seeing and what he's saying, but you want to bring him back to reality so you can help him," Elicker said.

This is why the center opened the Memory Cafe, providing laughter, comfort and connection in a space leaders say is already aligned with a traditional visit.

More than 50 interactive exhibits and presentations are designed to create a spark in visitors like Rossi and bring them back to a happier time. 

"I've never seen him laugh, like actually, his shoulders were going up and down. He was just ... it was great to see that," said Elicker.

Rossi's daughter, Rochelle, who works at the center, was also on hand, as was her 84-year-old stepfather Baldur, who also suffers from dementia.

The Memory Cafe, held the first Monday of every month, came to be following feedback from visitors who rediscovered a connection with the past.

"Comedy evokes a sense of nostalgia in so many of us, and it's a walk down memory lane," said Megan Eckwahl, marketing and communications manager for the National Comedy Center.

Part of the experience includes a trip to the Comedy Karaoke lounge for a brief program, including a look at the archives of the late Betty White, including artifacts from "The Golden Girls."

"And we want to be part of that story; we want to help create that moment of joy for individuals," said Eckwahl.

"Pleased we have a place to bring that out in [Rossi]. How they can bring the past into this present technology — that blows my mind, but it's just so cool," Elicker said.

There is no charge to attend the Memory Cafe event; however, registration is advised, as space is limited.