April/May 2024 Newsletter | |
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Promoting the well-being of those living with memory loss and their families.
Exceptional care. Innovative research. Community transformation.
Home to an NIH-designated UW Alzheimer's Disease Research Center
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Giving primary-care docs training, tools to manage dementia
Read about MBWC's Dr. Barak Gaster's “Cognition in Primary Care," a program to help healthcare systems meet the colossal need for dementia diagnosis and care. While maintaining a busy primary-care practice, he has spent the past seven years learning all he can about dementia: red flags, diagnostics, how to talk with patients and families, and treatment options.
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"Partnership for the Life Course of Research" : Promoting diversity in Alzheimer's research
Over the last two years, the MBWC's UW Alzheimer's Disease Research Center has partnered with the UW Health Promotion Research Center (HPRC) to expand access to Alzheimer's research participation and resources to Hispanic/Latino communities. Take a deep dive into the story by Kenzie Lock of the HPRC.
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Awareness about dementia is growing in Clark County!
Dementia Friends is changing the way people think, act, and talk about dementia. Our latest update focuses on the expansion of Dementia Friends into new counties. Awareness about dementia is growing in Clark County due to the leadership and support at the Area Agency on Aging and Disabilities of Southwest WA and HOPE Dementia Support, Regional Lead Organizations in Clark County for Dementia Friends Washington.
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Tech Help at the Memory Hub
Do you have a question about using your smartphone, tablet or laptop? Want help setting up an email account or social media account? Looking for tips on videoconferencing with Zoom or Teams? Come sign up for a FREE 50-minute Tech Help appointment at the Memory Hub, courtesy of an AmeriCorps volunteer with Seattle Public Library!
Appointments available between 10am and 1:30pm on Wednesdays: Apr 24, May 22, Jun 26. Book a slot.
View flyer
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Funding & Awards Opportunities! | | |
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Maude’s Awards gives three annual $25,000 awards to organizations and up to five $5,000 awards to individuals excelling in one of four categories of care for persons living with dementia and care partners.
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Wed. May 15, 1pm - 2:30pm: Free Dementia Education: Know the 10 Warning Signs of Alzheimer's and Other Dementias
Flyer
Sign up by emailing kibehrends@alz.org or (206) 529-3865
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Thurs. May 16, 9 a.m. – 3 p.m: Dementia Legal Planning Clinic
Looking for FREE legal help completing your Power of Attorney forms or Health Care Directives? Appointments available at the Memory Hub from 9 a.m. – 3 p.m. on , with volunteer attorneys from the Washington Pro Bono Council. Call 425-780-5589 to schedule.
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Tues. June 18, 1pm - 2:30pm: Book Group for Caregivers / Music Group for People with Memory Loss
Come with your loved one to enjoy an afternoon at the Memory Hub! Caregivers will have a book discussion group led by Seattle Public Library. People with memory loss will have a music engagement program led by a certified music therapist. The last half hour we’ll come together for social time and snacks! A free event.
Flyer
Questions: mbecker1@uw.edu
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Webinar links can be found here:
dshs.wa.gov/dac
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WEBINAR
You're Invited! Help Statewide Efforts to Address Dementia
You're invited to join one of the upcoming Dementia Action Collaborative (DAC) webinars where information will be shared about the newly updated state plan for addressing dementia, the needs it’s addressing, current actions and initiatives that are underway, and how anyone can help through suggested actions that align with the plan’s goals.
Text Link
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One More Reason to Get a Good Night's Sleep
At a Next Generation Medicine talk, UW School of Medicine researcher, Dr. Jeffrey Iliff, shared evidence-based insights about the effect of sleep on brain wellness. He talks about what you can do to help ensure you're getting the type of sleep your brain needs to function at its best.
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"It's mid-life sleep disruption that is the risk factor [for cognitive decline and dementia]. The sleep we're getting in our 40s and 50s is setting the stage for what our brains look like in our 60s and 70s. And that matters." - Jeff Iliff | | |
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The Quest to Detect and Cure Alzheimer's - Watch Now
Among our aging population, diseases like Alzheimer’s are increasing — and by the time they’re detected, it’s often too late to provide effective treatment. In the 2024 University Faculty Lecture, UW Bioengineering Professor Valerie Daggett shared about her work to create tests to detect these diseases years before symptoms develop — and how her lab is creating novel treatments to stop disease progression.
Text Link
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The UW Memory and Brain Wellness Center Community Programs and Events are happening both in-person at the Memory Hub and online. Join us in May for a variety of support, education, and engagement opportunities. Or, drop into our Memory Hub community center during its open hours, 9am - 3pm, Tues - Thurs. Free valet parking is provided by Murano Senior Living with validation at our front desk. | | |
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Caregiver Support Group
Build a support system with people who understand at Alzheimer's Association® support groups, conducted by trained facilitators. Every 2nd Monday at 1pm - 2:30pm.
Flyer - learn more and register
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Free Dementia Education - Hosted by the UW MBWC
Each month, the Alzheimer's Association presents a free in-person education program on a topic related to Alzheimer's and other dementias at the Memory Hub. Learn more.
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PPA Together Group
Do you or a loved one live with Primary Progressive Aphasia or Primary Progressive Apraxia of Speech (PPA/PPAOS)? Join us for a social/support group for people with PPA/PPAOS and families. Offered by the UW Memory and Brain Wellness Center, UW Alzheimer’s Disease Research Center, and the UW Department of Speech and Hearing Sciences.
Learn more.
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Virtual Coffee Chats
Make a cup of coffee or tea, and come together online for an informal social time with others living with memory loss or dementia. Facilitated by trained volunteers with support from Program Manager Marigrace Becker. Space is limited; sign up by the day before. Join for just one session, or multiple.
10 - 11 a.m. every Tuesday. Sign Up
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Virtual Caregiver Forum
Join other family caregivers online to connect, share strategies, and support each other's experience caring for a loved one with dementia. Facilitated by trained volunteers with support from Program Manager Marigrace Becker. Space is limited; sign up by the day before. Join for just one session, or multiple. 10 - 11 a.m. every Monday. Sign Up
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Monthly Orientation for People Recently Diagnosed with Memory Loss
Have you recently been diagnosed with mild cognitive impairment or dementia? Join us for this introductory class. Get your questions answered by an expert panel including peer mentors who share strategies for living well with memory loss, and a MBWC medical provider. Learn more.
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Atypical Parkinson's Virtual Support Group
Mutual support for people with CBD, PSP, MSA, and their care partners and loved ones. Offered by MBWC and facilitated by the American Parkinson Disease Association NW Chapter. Contact info: Katie Freeman, MSW kfreeman@apdaparkinson.org | (206) 507-4091.
Flyer
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SOAR (Shared Outdoor Adventures for Resilience) for people with younger onset Alzheimer’s
Were you diagnosed with Alzheimer’s before age 65? Connect with others and explore the great outdoors with SOAR. Enjoy monthly hikes in natural areas in the Seattle area, with options for other special outdoor adventures.
Learn more
Next up: Thurs. May 2, 10am - 2:30pm: Shared Outdoor Adventures for Resilience (Franklin Falls, Snoqualmie Pass)
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Chinese Tai Chi & Karaoke | |
We are excited about the new Tai Chi and Karaoke program we’re launching with Kin On here at the Memory Hub, based on community input. This healthy aging program is for any Chinese-speaking older adult who wants to stay socially and physically active – or who loves singing – all great things for brain health! | |
Professional Development Resources | | |
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Join the Metformin in Alzheimer's Dementia Prevention Study
The MAP study will determine whether metformin (Glucophage® XR), a medication used for diabetes treatment and prevention, can prevent a decline in memory and thinking abilities for people with mild memory problems. Learn more about participating!
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Other Community Events and Resources | |
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NEW “Wonder Walks” with Wild Whatcom and Northwest Regional Council offer dementia-friendly park walks in the Bellingham area. 11:30 a.m. – 1 p.m. the last Friday of each month. More info here
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Memory Café in Bellevue continues this month from 2-3:30 p.m. on Tuesday May 21, and ongoing every 3rd Tuesday of the month. Come together for connection, food, and entertainment at Tutta Bella Neopolitan Pizzeria. More info here.
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NEW Museum in Mind program with the Whatcom Museum and Northwest Regional Council provides a chance for people with early stage memory loss and care partners to explore the current exhibition and enjoy art-based activities. 2-4 p.m. every second Monday of the month. Questions: btgirnus@cob.org, 360-778-8935. View flyer here.
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COMING SOON – A new monthly Memory Café is planned for Jefferson County’s Revielle Café beginning in June. Details forthcoming – reach out for more information to Jan Svien with the Olympic Area Agency on Aging: 360-344-3030, janice.svien@dshs.wa.gov.
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Arts in the Park program with Seattle Parks and Recreation and Elderwise offers watercolor painting in Seattle’s Japanese garden for people with memory loss and families. 10 a.m. – 12 p.m. on Wednesdays, May 1, 15 and 29. View info in Parks brochure here, page 31. | |
Elderwise “Spring for Art” Annual Exhibit and Silent Auction takes place from 2-4:30 p.m. on Saturday May 18 at the Memory Hub, 1021 Columbia St, Seattle. Enjoy refreshments, music, and over 50 framed paintings by people living with dementia who participate in the Elderwise adult day program. More info here. | |
The MBWC is a Lewy Body Dementia Association Research Center of Excellence and a partner in support & resources. View LBD Support Groups in WA State. Learn more. | | | | | |
