February/March 2o24 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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Newest Topics in UW Alzheimer's and Related Dementias Research
UW Alzheimer's Disease Research Center (ADRC)-funded research awards meant to kick off careers in Alzheimer's research are supporting studies that use ADRC resources and participant data. The new ideas focus on brain resilience, speech-language assessment and therapy in dementia care, the protein TDP-43, and biomarkers for blood brain barrier dysfunction in Alzheimer's disease.
Recipients include: Gregory J. del Zoppo, MD, MS; Jeanne Gallée, PhD, CCC-SLP; Nicole Liachko, PhD; and Briana Meyer, PhD.
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Revitalizing the Dementia Friends Program in Pierce County
Chances are that you may know someone living with dementia, or may know someone who is caring for someone living with the disease. Perhaps you’ve even heard in the news recently about celebrities bravely sharing their diagnoses.
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Dementia Friends help us spread the word about supporting people living with dementia and making our communities more dementia friendly. Dementia Friends Washington is spearheaded by the UW Memory and Brain Wellness Center, in partnership with organizations that take the lead in their county.
Today, we spotlight Pierce County: the incredible progress in training new Dementia Friends, how to get involved, upcoming information sessions, and related resource programs.
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Introducing...
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: Feb 28, Mar 20, Apr 24, May 22, Jun 26. Book a slot.
View flyer
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A Resource for Traveling with a Loved One Living with Dementia | Josie Beierl, MBWC social work practicum student, shares her own experiences to frame a compilation of resources from the MBWC and our partners at the Alzheimer’s Association about travel and dementia. We hope this guide can help our caregiving community prepare to travel-or just get out of the house-with their loved one and feel that they are not alone. Sections include: Getting ready - Dealing with sensory overload - Staying safe and preventing falls - Traveling by air. | | | |
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Thurs. March 21, 10 - 10:45am: Tech-Savvy Communications: Facilitating Connections with Video Calling
Presenter Jesse Fish is a local technology coach with a knack for working with older adults. In this presentation, he will discuss the importance of staying connected and how video calling technologies can bridge the gap for people with dementia, families and friends.
Location: The Memory Hub, 1021 Columbia St, Seattle
Sign up by March. 19 | Contact: 206.221.8284 or [email protected]
Flyer
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Wed. March 13, 1-2 pm UW Dementia Research Talk: Decision-Making in Alzheimer’s
Come learn about the Decision-Making in Alzheimer’s Research (DMAR) study. Adults with dementia and their family often have to make decisions about more supportive care. However, the voices and preferences of adults with dementia are often not included in these decisions. The DMAR study aims to keep adults with dementia involved in decision-making, better understand their decision-making processes, and create a novel tool to identify preferences for care. In this presentation with a member of the research team, hear about the study’s initial findings, and learn about how to get involved.
Location: The Memory Hub, 1021 Columbia St, Seattle
Sign Up
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Job + Volunteer Opportunities at the MBWC/ADRC |
Research Associate Professor/Research Professor, General Internal Medicine (Senior Epidemiologist) Adult Changes in Thought Study Learn More
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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 March 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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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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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.
Up next: Wed. Mar. 20, 1-2:30 pm PT Understanding Alzheimer's and Other Dementias. 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 [email protected] | (206) 507-4091.
Flyer
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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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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 and register.
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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.
Up next: Thurs. Apr. 4, 10am-2:30pm PT Redmond Watershed Preserve, Redmond, WA
Learn more and 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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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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Professional Development Resources | | |
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New MBWC ECHO Dementia Didactic Recording:
February 23, 2024:
- Dementia Prevention and Modifiable Risk Factors Presenter: Dr. Nancy Isenberg, MD, MPH, FAAN
- Massachusetts General Hospital DGIM Healthy Lifestyle Program Presenter: Jacob Mirsky MD, MA, DipABLM
Slides, Video, and Resources
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Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation Trial
This research study looks at the effect of neurostimulation on memory decline in patients with early stage Alzheimer's disease and dementia to help us better understand memory deterioration and how to potentially reduce it. Learn more.
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Other Community Events and Resources | |
Edmonds Center for the Arts continues its monthly Dementia-Inclusive Series, with a session from 10:30-11:45 a.m. on Wednesday March 6. A free program. More info and register. | |
The Alzheimer’s Association’s annual Journey conference for family caregivers is set for Saturday, March 23, from 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. at Shoreline Community College. Come together for tools and encouragement as you care for a loved one with memory loss. This conference will offer live interpretation in Spanish. Learn more and register. | |
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Join AARP WA at Town Hall Seattle for “Caring for the Caregiver: A conversation about caregiver wellness and brain health.” Tuesday March 19, 7:30-9:00pm. Event features NBC News/MSNBC Anchor Richard Lui and Dr. Kate Zhong, geriatric psychiatrist and founder of the Brainnovation Initiative at UNLV. Register at aarp.org/caring4caregiver or by phone at 1-877-926-8300. Learn more.
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Bellingham’s Upfront Theater continues its Minds Alive! Program, an improv class for people with early stage memory loss and their care partners. Enjoy improv exercises designed to tap into the present moment through creativity, connection and joy. Offered at 2 p.m. on Monday March 18, and every 3rd Monday of the month, with support from Northwest Regional Council. Learn more. | |
Whidbey Island’s Memory Cafe continues from 12:30 p.m. – 2 p.m. on Tuesday March 19, and every 3rd Tuesday of the month. Come together for a fun time of conversation and music for people with memory loss and their families. Hosted at Oak Harbor First United Methodist Church. A free program. Learn more. | |
Celebrate Seniority-MultiCare in Pierce County offers several free programs for people with memory loss and caregivers – including an at-home brain fitness program, and Care Pairs which provides support to new caregiver/care receiver pairs. Learn more. | | | | |
