February/March 2025 Newsletter | |
Updates about federal funding of Alzheimer's and medical research | | |
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The UW Memory and Brain Wellness Center is home to one of 35 Alzheimer's Disease Research Centers (ADRCs). Federal funding through the National Institutes of Health has sustained the UW ADRC since 1985. Visit our webpage for the latest updates from the UW about federal funding changes that would affect the UW ADRC. | |
Alzheimer's Association advocates push for expanded testing and services and Senate Bill 5337 | | |
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This month, community members came to Olympia to join the Alzheimer's Association at Advocacy Day. The group supports SB 5337, which would require memory care certification for assisted living facilities. This would mean that staff would need to be trained on how to care for people living with dementia. | |
"This bill is a big deal," says Steve Wilson of the Alzheimer's Association and MBWC/Memory Hub on-site collaborator. "It's the first time this proposal has been brought forth." Advocates also want legislators to support insurance coverage for Alzheimer's early detection testing and to maintain funding for research conducted by the Washington state Department of Health. | | |
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The Science of Resilience
The word ‘resilience’ describes the ability to adapt or recover in the face of adversity. In the world of Alzheimer’s research, resilience refers to the brain’s capacity to do just that. A person is considered resilient if they are aging in better health than would be expected: they seem to have a strong neurological buffer, called “cognitive reserve,” that helps maintain memory and thinking functions despite the presence of brain changes that typically cause decline.
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At our research center, we want to understand the modifiable factors that can promote or decrease cognitive reserve across different populations. In a study published in the January 2025 Nature journal series Communications Psychology, UW researchers report findings from the first effort to measure and describe cognitive reserve in American Indians. Participants came from the Strong Heart Study, a longitudinal study of American Indians from the Northern Plains, Southern Plains, and Southwest. | |
Beyond Amyloid: Targeting a Broader Field of Alzheimer's Risk Factors over Past Decade
The newest blog from the NIH highlights how Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias research has advanced at a remarkable pace over the past decade. NIH investments in basic and clinical studies have helped develop disease-modifying drugs; improved diagnostic tools; enhanced understanding of behavioral, lifestyle and genetic factors; and supported critical dementia care and caregiving science. There is a marked trend in NIH-funded trials towards a focus on disease mechanisms beyond amyloid protein. These targets include inflammation, oxidative stress, vascular factors, protein folding, and metabolism, lifestyle factors.
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Advanced Legal Planning Clinic
Wed. March. 5
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Garden Discovery Program Kick-off
Fri. March. 7 at 10:30 - 12:00 pm
Learn More
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'Dancing Together' Seated Movement Class
Wednesdays, 1-2pm on March 5, March 19
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You & Me
Tuesdays, 12pm - 1pm
March 18, April 15, May 6
An opportunity for individuals living with dementia to build meaningful connection across generations. Once a month, join the Memory Hub and students from O’Dea High School for an hour of facilitated conversation and fun activities.
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Books & Beats: Book Group for Caregivers, Music Groups for People Living with Memory Loss
Wed. March 19
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We want to hear from you!
This month we have been collecting ideas for what programs or events are a priority for the Memory Hub community this year. Brain health talks or dance classes? Support groups or caregiver education? Art workshops or community service programs?
Please take a moment to add your vote, by filling out this quick survey. Thank you!
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Tai chi is an ancient martial art that combines mindful body movement, posture, and breathing to achieve a sense of internal balance, calm, and clarity. We are investigating whether doing tai chi can improve sleep and help the body remove harmful proteins that may be related to Alzheimer’s disease and other brain disorders. The research involves an intake visit at VA Puget Sound, a brain MRI at the University of Washington (UW), and at-home sleep assessments that are coordinated by Oregon Health and Science University (OHSU). | | | |
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Monthly Orientation for People Recently Diagnosed with Memory Loss - See the 2025 schedule!
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. 2025 Flyer
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Dementia Caregiver Support Group
Build a support system with people who understand. Alzheimer's Association® support groups, conducted by trained facilitators, are a FREE safe place for care partners to: develop a support system, exchange practical information on challenges and possible solutions, talk through issues and ways of coping, share feelings, needs, and concerns, and learn about community resources. Flyer
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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.
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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.
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Shared Outdoor Adventures for Resilience Program (S.O.A.R)
With the S.O.A.R. (Shared Outdoor Adventures for Resilience) Program, reinforce your strengths and connect with others through monthly small group hikes and other outdoor adventures in the Seattle area, through June 2025. S.O.A.R is for people diagnosed with Alzheimer's or another dementia before age 65, with a family member or friend. Learn more | March 20, 2025: Coal Creek Falls, Renton
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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.
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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.
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Garden Discovery Program - Spring 2025
Connect with nature and engage in nature-based projects at Maude's Garden with others living with memory loss and friends and family.
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Dementia Friends is changing the way people think, act, and talk about dementia. It’s energizing to see much-needed awareness continue to spread throughout the state. | | |
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Dementia Friends WA is seeking workplaces, organizations, and groups in Washington state who would like to host Dementia Friends Information Sessions. Many people are touched by dementia, whether they are experiencing changes themselves, are caring for someone living dementia, or know someone who is living with dementia or is caring for someone with dementia. Learn more | |
Other Community Resources | | |
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The I’m Still Here Foundation is giving more time for innovative thinkers and changemakers to apply for the 2025 Innovation Grant Program!"We’re dedicated to selecting grantees whose projects align with our mission enhancing the lives of those living with Alzheimer’s and other dementias through arts, culture, and community engagement. | |
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This extension means more opportunities to bring dignity, connection, and joy to the dementia space. Don’t miss your chance! Letters of Intent are now due by 3/12/2025!
Learn more & apply: I'm Still Here Foundation 2025 LOI
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Applications for the 2025 Maude’s Ventures and Young Founders Program grants open on April 14. We value the unique perspectives and impactful solutions that young minds can offer in dementia care. If you’re an innovative young entrepreneur with a vision for positive change, we encourage you to apply! Learn More | |
Our on-site collaborator at the Memory Hub, Elderwise, has a new job opening for a part-time program coordinator! This person would oversee Elderwise adult day programs for people living with dementia. Job description. Elderwise also has a job opening for a part-time Program Facilitator! | |
Elderwise is Seeking Volunteers! Do you resonate with the Elderwise artistic Spirit-Centered Care® approach? We currently have volunteer opportunities in our adult day programs in Seattle and Bellevue. Please see our website for more information or contact info@elderwise.org to discuss opportunities and a visit to our programs. | |
Join Swedish Center for Healthy Aging for their 2025 Healthy Aging Summit from 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. on Friday, April 18, at Mercer Island Community Center. Features a brain health lecture series and community resource fair with resources for people with memory loss and their families. Learn more. | |
NEW Memory Café at Spokane Valley Library begins March 10, and continues on the second Monday of each month from 10-11 a.m. Come together with others living with memory loss, and family members, to socialize and build a support network. Learn more. | |
Plan to celebrate the International Day of Happiness with a Dementia-Friendly Mindful Walk offered by Seattle Parks and Recreation. 10:30 a.m. – 12 p.m. Thursday March 20. Enjoy a gentle 1-mile walk with an urban naturalist. Learn more. | | | | |
