January/February 2o24 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

Art created at Elderwise.

What's New at the Memory and Brain Wellness Center?

MBWC News & Stories

Highlights of the WA State Plan


Learn about the work behind the WA State Plan to Address Alzheimer's Disease and Related Dementias, and the key resources that have come from the tireless implementation of its goals.

Read article

Upcoming Events

Tech Help for Tranquility


When: Thursday, Feb. 8, 9:30am - 10:30am

Where: The Memory Hub, 1021 Columbia St. Seattle


In this presentation, explore the use of smart home devices, like Alexa's routines, to create calming and memory-enhancing atmospheres. A free event. Presenter Jesse Fish is a local technology coach with a knack for working with older adults.


Sign up here or by calling 206.221.8284.

Flyer

Alzheimer's Association Education - Hosted by the UW MBWC


Topic: A Caregiver's Guide to Finances Learn more and sign up.


When: Wednesday, February 21, 1-2:30pm at the Memory Hub, 1021 Columbia St. Seattle


This program is funded, on behalf of the Dementia Action Collaborative, by Aging and Long-Term Support Administration/DSHS.

Dementia Legal Planning Clinic


Are you or someone you know experiencing or expecting to experience dementia and have concerns about legal planning? If so, consider signing-up for a free 1 hour appointment with the Pro Bono Council. Appointments will cover important documents for those experiencing, or expecting to experience dementia, should complete. 


When: Wednesday, February 14, 9am - 3pm at the Memory Hub, 1021 Columbia St. Seattle


To schedule and appointment or ask a question, contact [email protected] or call 425.780.5589.

Team Updates

Meet Katie Zeitler, Program Manager for Dementia Friends Washington, UW Memory and Brain Wellness Center


Katie is excited to be joining the MBWC as the Program Manager for Dementia Friends Washington. She will manage and continue to support the expansion of the public awareness anti-stigma Dementia Friends program throughout Washington state. When Katie's grandfather developed Alzheimer's disease, she became interested in caregiving and learning more about the condition. She has an MBA in Healthcare Management and has worked in direct patient care, public health, and for local non-profits doing outreach and communications.


"The combination of professional and personal experiences have made me aware of the need for more education, support, resources, and inclusive communities for people living with dementia and their care partners, and also the growing number of people living with dementia," she says.

Read the spotlight

Happy New Year from the MBWC's Alzheimer's Disease Research Center!


The MBWC is the proud home of an NIA-funded Alzheimer's Disease Research Center. In this video, team leaders share updates on the amazing progress we've made in the last year, thanks to our research participants.


View Recording

Come Work with Us

Job + Volunteer Opportunities at the MBWC

The Memory Hub is putting out a call for front desk volunteers! If you love building community and helping people feel welcome, we invite you to join our team. Please see the volunteer position description.

MBWC Programming

Support, Education, and Engagement

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 February for a variety of support, education, and engagement opportunities.

We want to hear from you!

Add your vote about our 2024 programs at the Memory Hub


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!

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.

Alzheimer's Association Education - Hosted by the UW MBWC


Each month, the Alzheimer's Association hosts a free in-person education program on a topic related to Alzheimer's and other dementias at the Memory Hub. Learn more

Atypical Parkinson's Virtual Support Group


Mutual support for people with CBD, PSP, MSA, and their care partners and loved ones. Facilitated by Dr. Kristoffer Rhoads, Neuropsychologist. Offered by the MBWC in partnership with the American Parkinson Disease Association NW Chapter. Learn more

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.

Learn more

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 new 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.

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. Learn more and sign up.

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

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

Visit the Memory Hub


We welcome you to visit our community center on Seattle’s First Hill, the Memory Hub!


Location and Hours: 1021 Columbia St. Free valet parking is provided by Murano Senior Living with validation at our front desk. Open to the public 9 a.m. – 3 p.m. on Tuesday, Wednesday or Thursday.

> View our calendar and sign up for additional programs, events, and tours.

Professional Development Resources

New MBWC ECHO Dementia Didactic Recording:


January, 12, 2024: Diseases Causing Dementia, Masquerading Conditions, and Red Flags. Presenter: Dr. Kimiko Domoto-Reilly, MD, MS Recording and Resources

Calling all healthcare providers in Washington State! You are invited to fill out the Washington State DSHS Dementia Action Collaborative (DAC) Healthcare Professionals Survey, open through Feb 3.


The DAC is seeking healthcare providers' input on the barriers and challenges of screening, diagnosing, and caring for people living with dementia. Your feedback will guide the actions towards a healthcare system that meets the needs of people affected by dementia. Direct link to the survey

Featured Research Study

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.

View all Enrolling Clinical Trials & Studies

Other Community Events and Resources

Join AARP at Town Hall Seattle for a free Caring for the Caregiver event from 7:30 – 9 p.m. on Tuesday, March 19. This free event features NBC News/MSNBC Anchor Richard Lui and Dr. Kate Zhong, geriatric psychiatrist, and explores Richard’s own caregiving experience and tips for other caregivers. Learn more and register.

The Alzheimer’s Association, Washington State Chapter, offers a variety of online educational talks in February covering topics such as communication tips, legal and financial planning and more. Learn more and sign up..

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.

HOPE Dementia Support in Vancouver, WA offers a monthly “Music and Memories” program for people with memory loss and their care partners, facilitated by board certified music therapists. More info on their programs page.

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 every 3rd Monday of the month at 2 p.m. with support from Northwest Regional Council. Learn more.

NEW Memory Café at Southeast Seattle Senior Center, 2-3:30 p.m. February 22 and continuing every 4th Thursday of the month. Enjoy light refreshments, live music and connections with other people who live with memory loss and care partners. RSVP to 206-722-0317.


Spokane County Library District continues its Memory Café every Tuesday from 11 a.m. – 12 p.m. at the North Spokane Library. Come together for socializing, music, crafts and more. Call 509-893-8200 for more information, or learn more here.


View Community Programs & Events Calendar
View  Research Events Calendar

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