“A Gamechanger for the Clinical Trials Program”
MBWC Becomes an Alzheimer’s Disease Clinical Trial Consortium Site
| | Michael Rosenbloom, MD, Associate Professor of Neurology, UW Medicine MBWC | | Darla Chapman, DNP, ARNP, Nurse Practitioner and Clinic Principal Investigator, UW Medicine MBWC | | |
The Alzheimer’s Clinical Trials Consortium (ACTC) is a nationally funded clinical trials infrastructure designed to accelerate the testing of new therapies for Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias. The MBWC was recently chosen as one of the ACTC’s 32 member sites. This membership means more opportunities for the MBWC to participate as a site for cutting-edge clinical trials supported by industry-academic partnerships. The ACTC brings an influx of NIH funds and access to centralized resources and shared expertise of leaders in Alzheimer’s disease and clinical trials.
“The ACTC is a gamechanger for the MBWC’s Clinical Trials program,” said Michael Rosenbloom, MD, Associate Professor of Neurology at UW Medicine, the principal investigator for the ACTC site at the MBWC. “We will now be able to take our clinical trials program to the next level, conducting the most promising and innovative trials, while tapping into the ACTC’s network of world experts on Alzheimer’s disease.” For example, the Anti-Tau Platform Trial (ATP) will be testing the effects of combined anti-amyloid and anti-tau therapies on cognitive decline and will launch soon.
Read entire article [MBWC]
| | | New & Upcoming Events & Programs | |
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Brain Health Block Party on Seattle’s First Hill
Neighboring organizations come together in honor of Brain Health Awareness Month
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This June, join your First Hill neighbors for our fourth annual Brain Health Block Party in honor of Brain Health Awareness Month. From 11 am - 2 pm on Friday, June 26, have fun exploring the neighborhood, stopping at various brain-healthy activity stations to enjoy music, puzzles, creative arts, movement, and more. Healthy snacks included! A fun and free event for all ages, with a special invitation to folks age 50+.
“The 4th Annual Brain Health Block Party will be here before you know it,” states Katie Zeitler, program manager for the Dementia Friends public awareness program and project lead for the Memory Cafe Expansion Project at the MBWC. “Brain health is essential at any age, and there are many simple steps and fun actions you can take in everyday life to support a healthy brain, like learning new things, eating well, and getting a good night’s sleep. We are looking forward to celebrating brain health with our First Hill community and hope to see you there."
Learn more [MBWC]
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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.
Friday, June 12, 10 am - 2:30 pm (Lewis Mason Thurston Area Agency of Aging, Olympia, WA)
Register | Flyer
Monday, June 22, 10 am - 2:30 pm (The Camano Center, Camano, WA)
Register | Flyer
Learn more about the Memory Café Expansion Project and additional upcoming trainings.
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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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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.
| | *NEW* MBWC Collaborator Offerings at the Memory Hub | |
Elderwise Pop-up Day Program at the Memory Hub
Fri. June 12, 12 pm - 4 pm
In conjunction with the Frye Art Museum’s Caregiver Workshop*, Elderwise is offering a Pop-up Day Program at the Memory Hub. We aim to support caregivers who are attending the workshop by providing a stimulating program for their loved ones.
Where: The Memory Hub, 1021 Columbia St., Seattle, WA 98104
What: 4-hour Adult Day Program
Who: People living with mild to mid dementia
Cost: $100. Limited scholarships available
For more information and to register, please contact
Claire Cuccio, Program Coordinator, at 206-913-1757 or
claire@elderwise.org and visit the Elderwise website
*The Pop-up day program is held in conjunction with the Frye Art Museum's Caregiver Workshop: Supporting Dementia-Inclusive Arts Engagement at Home. Learn more
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Full Life Caregiver Workshop
Join Full Life Care and SilverKite Community Arts for an upcoming workshop supporting family caregivers at the Memory Hub.
June 6, 10:30 am - 12:30 pm Visual Journaling Workshop
If you are attending with your partner, they will be enjoying a concurrent program nearby.
RSVP to Kathryn.Russell@FullLifeCare.org or call 206.305.0523
Flyer
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Maude’s Ventures 2026 Applications are Open!
Maude’s Ventures is thrilled to announce that the application cycle has officially begun! From today, June 1, 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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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, and by an MSW student intern on Wednesdays. 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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PD+ 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.
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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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Shared Outdoor Adventures for Resilience Program (S.O.A.R) 2025-2026
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, June 18, 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
Highlighted LBDA Resource: Lewy Trial Tracker
Research participation plays an important role in advancing scientific understanding and improving the future of LBD care. Through the tracker, you can opt in to receive notifications about upcoming research that needs participants to fuel the engine of medical discovery, providing researchers with knowledge that will shape our understanding of LBD and related conditions. Lewy Trial Tracker.
| | Other Community Resources | |
Seeking Enthusiastic Volunteers for Elderwise!
Elderwise is a nonprofit social adult day program for people living with dementia. It is known for its Spirit-Centered Care® philosophy that believes all persons, regardless of physical or cognitive abilities, have the ability to grow, experience joy and thrive in a nurturing place of community. We would love you to join our team!
OUR PROGRAM DAY CONSISTS OF:
- Morning Café & Guided Group Discussion
- Outdoor time in a garden or “forest-path” setting
- Watercolor painting through a Spirit-Centered Flow
- Communal Lunch
- Singing/ Music, Movement & Breathing
VOLUNTEERS NEEDED TO:
- Help bring joy and purpose to people who are living with dementia
- Help set-up, clean-up and support our staff facilitators
- Help serve lunch and snacks
- Be on call for last minute changes (when another volunteer is sick, etc.)
- Play an instrument during singing (timeframe between 1:00-2:00)
LOCATIONS:
- First Hill, Seattle, Memory Hub (Mondays-Thursdays)
- Bellevue, Temple de Hirsch Sinai (Wednesdays)
- Ravenna, NE Seattle, Full Life Care (Thursdays)
TIME: 9:30 AM-2:00 PM (can be broken into 2-hour shifts or full day)
CONTACT: Claire Cuccio at claire@elderwise.org or call 206-913-1757
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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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Cross-Cultural (and Dementia-Friendly) Community Café
Sat. June 27, 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 related to the theme of Fathers and Heritage.
Sign Up [Cognitoforms.com]
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Dementia Resource Fair at Greenwood Senior Center
Find support, services and connection at the Dementia Resource Fair at Seattle’s Greenwood Senior Center, 2-4 p.m. Wednesday June 17. Learn more by emailing kristeno@phinneycenter.org.
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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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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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