June/July 2024 Newsletter

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

Join us at the 2nd Annual First Hill Brain Health Block Party!

Celebrate the numerous paths to brain health and wellness this summer at our second annual Brain Health Block Party. From 1- 4 p.m. on Wednesday July 10, enjoy a walk through the First Hill neighborhood, stopping at activity stations listed below for fun brain-healthy activities such as music, puzzles, creative arts, movement and more. Healthy snacks included! A fun and free event for all ages, with a special invitation to folks age 50+. 

Alzheimer’s drug donanemab backed by FDA advisory panel

Eli Lilly and Company

On Monday, June 10, an FDA advisory panel unanimously supported Eli Lilly's drug donanemab, an amyloid-clearing drug designed to slow the progression of early Alzheimer’s disease, including mild cognitive impairment and mild Alzheimer’s dementia, finding that the treatment’s benefits outweigh the risks. This vote paves the way for an FDA decision, expected later this year.

If the FDA agrees with the panel’s recommendation and grants approval, donanemab would become the second Alzheimer's drug in the U.S. that changes the course of the underlying disease and slows cognitive decline due to the disease. The FDA approved a similar drug, Leqembi, in July 2023, and the MBWC treated its first patient with a dose on December 1, 2023.

"Donanemab was approved by the FDA advisory board of dementia experts, and thus, doctors are likely to prescribe this medication as an alternative to lecanemab once formally approved by the FDA, said MBWC Clinical Trials Director, Michael Rosenbloom, MD. "Donanemab's compelling clinical trial outcome not only confirms that this treatment strategy is effective in treating Alzheimer's disease, but also provides clinicians additional opportunities to tailor the amyloid monoclonal antibody to the individual patient. For instance, one patient may prefer to undergo fewer infusions, in which case donanemab may be the preferred choice; whereas, another patient may be at greater risk for amyloid related imaging abnormalities, in which case a drug such as lecanemab may be more desirable. The fact that we now have a new class of Alzheimer's drugs is a testament to the rapid advancement of Alzheimer's therapeutics."

Dive into the science of the human brain

Dr. Thomas Grabowski, MD, director of the UW Memory and Brain Wellness Center, talks about strengths-based reframing of Alzheimer's disease, as well as emerging advances in treatment.

UW Osher Lifelong Learning Institute [YouTube]

The Brain has a Waste Removal System and Scientists are Figuring Out How it Works [NPR] NPR interviews MBWC's Jeffrey Iliff, PhD, professor of psychiatry and behavioral sciences and neurology at the University of Washington School of Medicine.

Wed. July 10, 1pm - 4pm: The 2nd Annual First Hill Brain Health Block Party

Join us this summer at our second annual Brain Health Block Party. From 1- 4 p.m. on Wednesday July 10, enjoy a walk through the First Hill neighborhood, stopping at activity stations listed below for fun brain-healthy activities such as music, puzzles, creative arts, movement and more.

Questions: mbecker1@uw.edu

Tues. Aug. 20, 1pm - 2:30pm: Books & Beats: 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.

Questions: mbecker1@uw.edu. Learn more.

Contribute your nature-inspired art to our 2nd Annual Garden of Inspiration Art Show at the Memory Hub

Are you someone who enjoys being creative? Everyone in the Memory Hub dementia-friendly community is invited to contribute nature-inspired art to our 2nd annual Garden of Inspiration Art Show - a one-day outdoors art exhibit in a healing garden, taking place August 23.

The show celebrates the creativity of the Memory Hub community. A collaboration between the UW Medicine's UW Memory and Brain Wellness Center and Elderwise.

Latest Milestones in Dementia Awareness Program

Chinese Tai Chi & Karaoke Celebration

We had a wonderful potluck celebration at the end of the Chinese Tai Chi and Karaoke program in partnership with Kin On, in June. The summer series will run 2:30-4 p.m. Mondays July 8 – September 30 at the Memory Hub. If you are a Chinese-speaking older adult looking to connect with others through movement and singing together, contact Kin On to sign up: 206-800-5025.

Shared Outdoor Adventures for Resilience Program (S.O.A.R)

The UW Memory and Brain Wellness Center Community Programs and Events are happening both in-person and online. Join us in July for a variety of support, education and engagement opportunities – or drop in to our Memory Hub community center during its NEWLY EXPANDED open hours, 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. Monday – Thursday. Free valet parking is provided by Murano Senior Living with validation at our front desk.

Have you or your loved ones been affected by memory loss? Join the ImPaCT Research Study /

¿Usted o su ser querido se han visto afectados por la pérdida de memoria? ¡Únase al estudio de investigación ImPaCT!

You can help us understand the experience of Spanish speaking Latino/e/a/x Hispanic older adults and their families so we can improve the care and support provided to them. Learn more about participating | Ver esta página en Español 

NEW Elderwise Adult Day Program is now open in Bellevue, WA. Program will run 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. on Wednesdays, to include conversation, creative arts, movement and stretching, and lunch. Learn more.

Dementia & Inclusive Rec Hour at Renton Senior Center continues 12:30-1:30 p.m. every Thursday. Activities range from music, light chair exercise, crafts, and nature walks. A free program for people with memory loss; care partners encouraged to join. More info.

NEW "Meet me at the Wildlife Refuge" program with HOPE Dementia Support in Clark County takes place every 4th Tuesday of the month from 1-3 pm. Enjoy a beautiful natural environment while connecting with others who live with memory loss. Learn more at 360-513-5754, alwayshopeinfo@gmail.com. More info.

Memory Café at Reveille Café in Port Townsend continues from 1-2 pm on the first Monday of every month. A free, relaxed social gathering for people with memory loss and their care partners. Learn more.

NEW Low Tide Walk with Seattle Parks and Recreation from 12-2 pm on Tuesday, July 23. Enjoy a beach stroll with a naturalist, while connecting with others who live with memory loss. More info.

Bainbridge Island Museum of Art continues its monthly "look Again" guided art discussions for people with memory loss and their families. Every first Friday of the month, 11am - 12pm. Learn more.