Thanks for subscribing to the Memory Hub Newsletter, your source of the latest news, events, and resources at our vibrant community center for people living with memory loss, their families, and all who support a dementia-friendly community. This dynamic space is operated by the UW Memory and Brain Wellness Center, alongside partners the Frye Art Museum, the Alzheimer's Association, Elderwise, and Full Life Care.

thememoryhub.org 

• Our care consultant from the Alzheimer's Association acts as “Memory Navigator" to provide free 30-minute appointments to help you get connected with helpful memory loss resources. Learn more.

• Enjoy the new pieces in our Frame of Mind Art Exhibit. The gallery features artwork created by people with memory loss and dementia. View the gallery at the Memory Hub from 9am - 4 pm on Mon, Tues, Wed, and Thurs. Learn more.



• Our library/resource room provides a wide array of books about living well with memory loss and caregiving. View our titles.

• Maude's Garden, Washington's first public memory garden, offers a botanical oasis at the Memory Hub and hosts garden programs and art exhibits. Learn more.

The Memory Hub spearheaded the second annual Brain Health Block Party!

This fun neighborhood event on July 10th celebrated easy steps we can take to promote brain health – like staying active, reducing stress, challenging our minds, connecting with others, and eating a healthy diet. It’s also a unique way to build awareness about memory loss and dementia and challenge stigma. This special event featured outdoor “brain-healthy” activity stations spread throughout Seattle’s First Hill neighborhood. As participants walked from site to site, they solved puzzles, made their own trail mix, played games, created art, and much more including fun ways to beat the heat! Nine organizations partnered to produce this year’s event, offering activities at the following locations: The Memory Hub, Frye Art Museum, Murano Senior Living, Skyline Retirement Community, St. James Cathedral, Seattle, Horizon House, Swedish First Hill, Town Hall Seattle, and Virginia Mason Franciscan Health. Each of the participating organizations has a commitment to supporting older adults and the community at large. 



The Memory Hub’s station—visible from down the street thanks a large rainbow unicorn sprinkler—offered several activities, including a samples of the signature herbal iced tea blend of Maude’s Garden, a garden tour, photobooth, karaoke, and a sidewalk chalk display. Like last year’s block party, participants felt a heightened sense of social connection and community belonging sparked by this event. “I never thought of First Hill as a neighborhood before this – it’s so nice to see people walking around and talking to others on the sidewalk,” said community member Teresa McCorkle.

Samantha Sanders is the Creative Aging Coordinator for the Frye Art Museum (Memory Hub founding partner), helping to offer programs for older adults to engage in arts and creative lifelong learning. A key part of her role includes serving as an on-site collaborator at the Memory Hub, where she manages the Alzheimer’s Café program. This program is a unique social opportunity for people living with dementia, their care partners, family, and friends to enjoy companionship, live music, and fun in a relaxed environment. Offered since 2016 by the Frye Art Museum and the UW Memory and Brain Wellness Center, the program is now hosted at the Memory Hub. 

In this spotlight, Samantha shares the latest updates about the Alzheimer’s Café program, what she appreciates about being part of the Memory Hub, and her perspective on dementia-friendly community.

"The Memory Hub is a space of access and inclusivity. I think “Dementia Friendly” is just another way to be welcoming to all individuals, no matter where you’re coming from. Specifically for people in the memory loss community, it's feeling like you're safe and comfortable and have something structured to do. A lot of caregivers want spend time with their loved one on something that is not about medical care. It’s about experiential respite and togetherness. The socializing at the Memory Hub, I think, is unmatched." - Samantha Sanders

Chinese Tai Chi & Karaoke

Are you a Chinese-speaking older adult looking to connect with others through movement and singing together? Try out the summer program from 2:30-4 p.m. Mondays July 8 – September 30 at the Memory Hub. Contact Kin On to sign up: 206-800-5025

Learn about all support, education, and engagement programs hosted at the Memory Hub, offered by the UW Memory and Brain Wellness Center and our on-site collaborators:

• August 2024 Dementia Friends Events

• Follow Dementia Friends Washington on Facebook

New Recommendations to Reduce Dementia Risk Worldwide; Untreated High Cholesterol and Vision Loss Linked to Raised Risk (MBWC)

My Experience Caring for My Wife Gail and What I Learned About Communication and Alzheimer's Disease (MBWC)

Photo courtesy Jonathan Vanderweit

Dániel Somogyi. View of Königssee, 1878. Image courtesy, Frye Art Museum

In today's Garden Discovery Program, the group explored the blooming garden, savored herbal tea, and shared thoughts about what they noticed and felt grateful for. In the nature-inspired project, registered horticultural therapist Peach Jack led a unique collage activity with tissue paper and dried botanicals.

"For someone with dementia to create something like this... I am going to take this home to remind myself of what I can do." - a participant in the Garden Discovery Program

"Seeing the seasonal changes in this garden - lovely in the winter, lovely in the summer - reminds me that change is not always bad." - a participant in the Garden Discovery Program

The Garden Discovery Program is a partnership between Seattle Parks and Recreation and UW Memory and Brain Wellness Center. The Garden Discovery Program is made possible by support from Aegis Living Assisted Living and Memory Care communities.

Registration for the SUMMER Garden Discovery Program - Waitlist open - Sept. 6th session

Registration for the FALL Garden Discovery Program

Registration open (Oct . - Dec.)

Community Resources

The SHARP brain health program for African Americans age 55+ kicks off again this summer at Seattle’s Central Area Senior Center. Join an orientation from 1-2 p.m. on Wednesday August 7 to learn more about this walking and reminiscence program based in Seattle’s Central District. Learn more.

The Memory Café in Oak Harbor now meets twice a month, 12:30 p.m. on the 1^st and 3^rd Tuesdays. Come together with people living with memory loss and their families for food, fun, conversation and music. Hosted at the 1^st United Methodist Church. 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. Learn more.

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. Learn more.

Mark your calendars for the second annual Community GROWS camp, a day of creativity, exploration and connection for people with memory loss and their families offered by Seattle Parks and Recreation. 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. on Wednesday September 25 at Seattle’s Camp Long. Learn more.

Kin On offers its annual Senior’s Day from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. on Saturday September 14 in Redmond. Join in a special celebration honoring and appreciating elders with a fun day including cultural performances, health and wellness workshops, delicious food, community resources and connections. Learn more.