Pictured: Justin B. Miller, PhD, ABPP, Professor of Neurology at UW Medicine and Nam Phuong Nguyen, PhD, Program Manager for the Rural Brain Health Initiative | |
The UW Northwest Rural Brain Health Initiative is studying aging in rural communities to better understand brain health and dementia risk. In 2025, Justin B. Miller, PhD, ABPP, Professor of Neurology at UW Medicine, launched this project to reduce common barriers to research participation among rural residents. Over the past year, the UW Northwest Rural Brain Health Initiative has partnered with Mason Health in Shelton, Washington, to conduct a local brain health study and bring in needed clinical services and resources. Miller and Nam Phuong Nguyen, PhD, Program Manager, work on-site at Mason General Hospital to carry out the study.
“I’m reminded every time we meet with a participant in Shelton that we are having an immense impact in the community. We are providing resources for cognitive and memory care that can be very difficult for rural communities to access, leading to health disparities that negatively affect many families. I have met so many rural-dwelling participants who are concerned about their neurological health but have felt ignored and disadvantaged by the current health care system, and this is the motivating factor behind our mission.” - Nam Phuong Nguyen
Read the entire article to learn more about this healthy aging initiative
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MBWC's Dr. Barak Gaster Invited to Join the Alzheimer's Association's New Clinical Advisory Council
This newly established body of clinical experts will be committed to bridging the gap between science and practice in Alzheimer's and dementia care. The Council will help shape how evidence-based practices reach clinicians and patients across the country.
| | | The Council is being established to provide expert clinical guidance, strategic insights, and real-world perspectives to accelerate effective implementation of evidence-based care. The work of the CAC will include risk reduction, early detection, treatment coordination, and care navigation. "I'm excited to see this multidisciplinary group as part of the invaluable steps that the Alzheimer's Association is making to expand beyond the science of finding effective treatments for Alzheimer's disease and related disorders to also include improving the clinical care that all people living with ADRD receive," said Barak Gaster, MD, Professor of Medicine at UW School of Medicine. | | New & Upcoming Events & Programs | | |
Maude’s Garden Melodies: Jazz Trio from Garfield High School Jazz Band
Thursday, July 2, 4 - 6 pm
Join us for a FREE outdoor dementia-friendly concert series at the Memory Hub every first Thursday this summer. Enjoy upbeat tunes, tasty treats, sunshine and great company! Offered by the UW Memory and Brain Wellness Center and Seattle Public Library, with refreshments provided by Parkshore. We hope to see you there!
Sign up for Maude's Melodies
Flyer
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How to Start a Memory Cafe in Your Community: A Free Half-Day Training
Starting in 2026, the UW Memory and Brain Wellness Center, in alignment with the Memory Cafe Alliance (housed within Dementia Friendly America/USAging), will work with community partners to launch the Memory Cafe Expansion Project. We will be offering free trainings around Washington State for anyone interested in learning how to start a Memory Cafe. Sign up for a training.
| | Seattle 3rd Graders Learn about Dementia-Friendly Communities | | |
In April 2026, the Dementia Friends 3-5th grade Washington Youth Curriculum Pilot developed by the UW MBWC was presented to two third-grade classrooms at a Seattle Public School. Students learned about the brain, how different parts of the brain work, how dementia can affect the brain, and four key messages about dementia, including that dementia is not contagious like the flu, and how they can support people living with dementia through simple and meaningful actions.
The students asked thoughtful questions about the brain and dementia. A few students shared personal connections to dementia, too. After one student spoke about their great-grandparent living with Alzheimer's disease, several classmates opened up and shared stories about family members with dementia as well. These sessions are a reminder that individuals of all ages benefit from an understanding of dementia and how to be supportive of people living with dementia. We are grateful for their contributions to the creation of a curriculum that helps young people better understand dementia and supports dementia-friendly communities across generations.
Read article
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Seeking Innovations in Dementia Care and Caregiving: Maude’s Ventures 2026 Applications are Open:
Maude’s Ventures is thrilled to announce that the application cycle has officially begun! Through August 31st, 2026, we will accept applications for both Maude’s Ventures and the Young Founders Program.
Maude’s Ventures offers funding of up to $50,000 for innovations in Dementia care and caregiving. For our purposes, innovation means expanding the reach of quality, effective care to individuals living with dementia nationwide. It means scaling impact to touch as many lives as possible and addressing unmet or overlooked needs within the dementia community. If you feel this describes your program or organization, we welcome your application!
Additionally, 2026 marks the second year of the Young Founder’s Program! This program offers grants of $2,500 to high school and college students, and recent graduates, for intergenerational efforts to support people living with Dementia and their caregivers.
Application Information [PDF]
Maude's Venture's website
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Enrolling Trial:
A Clinical Trial to Learn About the Effects of VHB937 in People With Early Alzheimer's Disease
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The Novartis VHB937A12201 study is a Phase 2 clinical trial testing an investigational therapy called VHB937 for people with early to moderate Alzheimer’s disease. Participants receive monthly intravenous infusions of VHB937 or a placebo over approximately 72 weeks. The treatment is designed to target immune processes in the brain that may help slow disease progression. Participation includes monthly infusions, quarterly cognitive and physical assessments, and occasional MRI or PET scans. Those who complete the initial phase may continue into an extension portion of the study.
Learn more about Novartis VHB937A12201
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The Clinical Trials Team Welcomes Kara Link, MS
Kara currently serves as the Outreach, Recruitment, and Engagement Coordinator for the UW ADRC’s clinical trials, focusing on community outreach, raising awareness of research on Alzheimer’s and related dementias, and improving representation in clinical trials.
She earned her undergraduate degree from the University of Washington in 2021 and her Master of Science in Psychology from the University of New Mexico in 2026. She has worked across diverse research settings, including academic medical centers focused on behavioral interventions for chronic health conditions (e.g., chronic pain and multiple sclerosis) and nonprofit organizations conducting community-engaged research on substance use and recovery outcomes.
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Memory Navigator Consultation Services
Free 30-minute Memory Navigator appointments, offered by Kin On (Chinese and English) on Monday afternoons or by Nolia Health (English) on Tuesdays. Get support with memory loss or caregiving topics, including information and referrals to community resources. Appointments are available in person and via Zoom or phone. Book online from the Memory Navigator page, or call the front desk at 206.616.6035.
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Dementia Friends Information Sessions
Dementia Friends are part of a dementia-friendly community. At our sessions, we share information about dementia and brain health, tips for communicating with someone living with dementia, and ways to take action. Learn more about Dementia Friends and attend a Dementia Friends Information Session! The UW MBWC is proud to lead the Dementia Friends program in WA State on behalf of the Dementia Action Collaborative.
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Caregiver Forum - Virtual
Mondays, 10 am - 11am
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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Coffee Chat - Virtual
Tuesdays, 10 am - 11am
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.
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FTD Caregiver Support Group - Virtual
Every second Wednesday of the month 5:30 pm PT - 7 pm PT, on Zoom.
A virtual support group for people caring for a loved one with frontotemporal degeneration. View Flyer
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Memory Loss: A Guide to Next Steps
Monthly Orientation for People Recently Diagnosed with Memory Loss or Dementia
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 medical provider from the UW Memory & Brain Wellness Center. Flyer for the 2026 Memory Loss: A Guide to Next Steps Program
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PPA Together
Do you or a loved one live with primary progressive aphasia (PPA/PPAOS)? Come explore a group just for you! We meet monthly, on Wednesday afternoons. A free event. PPA Together flyer
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Books & Beats
2:30 pm - 4 pm every 3rd Wednesday of the month. Each book is discussed for two months.
Caregivers will have a book discussion group led by Seattle Public Library. People with memory loss will have a music engagement program led by a certified music therapist. The last half hour we'll come together for social time and snacks!
Flyer for 2026
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Dancing Together
1 pm - 2 pm select Wednesdays
Join UW Medicine physician and dancer Dr. Julia Becke for Dancing Together- an adaptive dance class designed for people living with cognitive impairment and their care partners!
Flyer for 2026
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Galleries and Gardens
Friday, August 14, 2- 4 pm
Start your afternoon at the Frye Art Museum with an art discussion inspired by an artwork from the exhibition Wallflowers, then continue next door to The Memory Hub for a creative botanical-themed experience inspired by Maude’s Garden, the award-winning therapeutic memory garden located on site.
Designed for people living with dementia and their care partners, this event invites pairs to connect through creativity, conversation, and sensory experiences.
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Garden Discovery Program - Summer
Fridays: July 17, August 7, September 4
10:30 am - 12 pm
Join us in the garden at the Memory Hub. Discover changes through the season, engage in horticultural activities, engage in nature-based projects, and learn about this public "memory garden," created for people living with dementia and their families in this 3-part series. Offered in partnership with Seattle Parks and Recreation, and made possible by generous support from Skyline Seattle.
Register [Seattle Parks & Rec]
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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. S.O.A.R is for people diagnosed with Alzheimer's or another dementia before age 65, with a family member or friend.
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The Alzheimer's Café at the Memory Hub
Thursday, July 16, 2:30 - 4 pm
Enjoy a spirited art discussion, a variety of live music and singing, and refreshments. New and returning participants are encouraged to register for this free and fun dementia-friendly program.
Join the Frye Art Museum and the UW Memory and Brain Wellness Center for an uplifting time of social connection! A unique opportunity for people living with dementia, their care partners, family, and friends to enjoy companionship, artwork discussions, live music, snacks, and fun in a relaxed environment. View
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The UW MBWC is a Lewy Body Dementia (LBDA) Research Center of Excellence
Living Meaningfully with Dementia: Creativity & Connection Through the Arts
Wed, Jul 22, 2026 10:00 AM PDT
Creativity plays a vital role in healthy aging, supporting emotional well‑being, cognitive resilience, and social connection across the lifespan- including for those living with dementia-related conditions. This session explores how ARTZ Philadelphia’s community-based arts engagement programs help people tap into their innate creativity to spark communication, expression, and meaningful relationships. Learn more and register.
| | Other Community Resources | |
Meet Me at the Movies
Thurs. Aug. 6, 2 - 3 pm
Celebrate the magic of film in this entertaining and inspiring program, open to all older adults, including those living with memory loss. Meet Me at the Movies features themed film clips that spark imagination and memories, followed by a facilitated audience discussion.
Register here [Frye Art Museum]
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Memory Cafe: Music and Memory in the Garden
July 10, 10 am - 11:30 am
A special gathering for community members experiencing memory loss and their care partners. Join for a morning of music and companionship in the gardens at Bloedel Reserve with special guests Carl Westphal and Paul Connor.
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New Memory Cafe at the Cameo Café
A new Memory Cafe is now up and running at the Cameo Café in Vancouver, WA, from 10 am – 12 pm every second and fourth Tuesday of the month. Enjoy a welcoming space for people living with memory loss and caregivers to connect over coffee and activities.
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Cross-Cultural (and Dementia-Friendly) Community Café
Sat. July 25, 10 am - 12 pm
Join Kin On Health Care Center for a special Cross-Cultural (and Dementia-Friendly) Community Café, 10 a.m. – 12 p.m. Saturday, June 27, at Westminster Chapel Church in Bellevue. Enjoy free coffee and activities on the theme of Summer Breeze and Shared Joy.
Sign Up [Cognitoforms.com]
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New Old Friends Club adult day programs are coming to Snohomish County, thanks to Volunteers of America NW
A Lynnwood location is up and running, with an Everett location opening in September. Learn more.
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Cruise the Bay with Dementia Support Northwest
Dementia Support Northwest in Bellingham offers a dementia-friendly “Cruise the Bay” experience in honor of their 43rd anniversary, from 5:30-8 p.m. Monday, July 27. Enjoy a special evening on the water with others from the memory loss community. Learn more by emailing info@dementiasupportnw.org.
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