January / February 2025 Newsletter | | |
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A new interest in the brain's cerebellum and Alzheimer's disease
Researchers at the University of Washington School of Medicine report an association between the loss of a layer of crucial cerebellum brain cells and cases of more severe dementia, in a study published Dec. 23 in the journal Alzheimer's & Dementia.
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The researchers performed a detailed study of 30 brains from donors in the UW Alzheimer's Disease Research Center and the Adult Thinking and Change Study (ACT). The researchers also analyzed neuropathological data from 650 ACT participants and found that a more intact cerebellum has a protective effect against dementia. The researchers are interested in whether this brain structure could be targeted by therapeutics or activities to protect its integrity. | |
Thank You!
Enjoy this 2025 New Year's Update and Thank You to our research participants by Center Director Dr. Thomas Grabowski, MD.
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Caregiver Creative Writing Workshop
Tues: Feb. 4th, 11th, or 18th at 10:30 - 12:00 pm
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Advanced Legal Planning Presentation
Wed. Feb. 26 at 11am
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Advanced Legal Planning Clinic
Wed. March. 5
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Garden Discovery Program Kick-off
Fri. Mar. 7 at 10:30 - 12:00 pm
Learn More
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'Dancing Together' Seated Movement Class
Wednesdays, 1-2pm on Jan 15, Jan 29 | Feb 5, Feb 12 | Mar 5, Mar 19
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You & Me
Tuesdays, 12pm - 1pm
Feb 25, Mar 18, Apr 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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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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Are you or a loved on concerned about your memory or your cognitive abilities? | |
We are currently looking for volunteers to participate in the COGIT-2 Trial. COGIT-2 is a research study looking at whether crosswords puzzles training and health education can improve cognitive performance in participants with memory concerns. | |  | | |
The Lilly PRESENCE-ALZ study is looking for volunteers who have mild to moderate memory loss and may be interested in clinical research. This study is a Phase II therapeutic study to determine the effectiveness and safety of Mevidalen (an oral tablet) in patients with Alzheimer’s disease. | | | | | |
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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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Powerful Tools for Caregivers
A 6-week educational series designed to help you care for yourself while you care for a loved one. Learn about effective communication, making challenging decisions, moving through difficult emotions, getting connected to helpful resources, and more. A free program offered by AgePRIDE at the Memory Hub. 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 | Feb. 20, 2025: Valley of the Gnomes in Seattle's Madrona neighborhood
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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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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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Host a Dementia Friends Information Session at your workplace, organization, or group!
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.
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According to the Alzheimer’s Association, about 10.2% of adults 65 and older are experiencing Alzheimer’s disease in Washington state. A Dementia Friends Information Session is a helpful opportunity to spread awareness about dementia in your network to better support these individuals.
A Dementia Friends Information Session is 60-minutes long. Topics discussed at a session include: what dementia is and the most common type, early signs and symptoms, key messages to know, communication tips for someone living with dementia, information on brain health, ways to take action, and helpful community resources. There is no cost for individuals to attend a session and there is no cost to host a session. All attendee materials are provided. If you would be interested in learning more, please contact dementiafriendswa@uw.edu.
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Other Community Events and Resources | |
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 | |
Join our on-site collaborator at the Memory Hub, the Alzheimer's Association, at Advocacy Day February 4, 2025, at the Washington State Capitol in Olympia to advocate for families facing Alzheimer’s and dementia. Learn more. | |
NEW weekly Memory Café at Seattle’s Phinney Neighborhood Association. 1:30-3:30 p.m. every Friday. Enjoy coming together for socializing, music, movement and light snacks. Learn more. | |
Dementia Support Northwest continues to move forward with Amy’s Place, its new community space at Bellis Fair Mall in Bellingham. Amy’s Place is set to open in February and will offer a variety of respite and resources options to the dementia community. Learn more. | |
HOPE Dementia Support offers their annual resource fair from 11 a.m. – 2 p.m. on Sunday February 23 in Vancouver, WA. Learn about a variety of dementia-related resources available in Clark County. For more information, call 360-513-5754 or email alwayshopeinfo@gmail.com. | |
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. | | | | |
