Celebrating Brain Health Awareness Month!
June is Brain Health Awareness Month, and our experts are sharing brain health information in talks and on the web. You are invited to our annual brain health event on First Hill: Brain Health Block Party on Wednesday, June 25, 2025!
Learn more about evidence-based healthy brain aging recommendations
| | | | Discovering the Science of the Aging Brain: Understanding, Protecting, and Improving on Thursday, June 5, 2025 | 11:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. | | On June 5th, the AARP is hosting a free virtual webinar on brain health and aging, featuring experts from the UW MBWC and the Allen Institute! The presentation will focus on the latest scientific discoveries and the efforts behind new understandings, treatments, and programs to improve brain health. | | The Frame of Mind gallery at the Memory Hub features art created by people living with memory loss. Art is displayed for one year for visitors to enjoy. 12-15 artworks are displayed, typically 2-4 pieces per artist. We are now seeking artists for the 2025-2026 season. You don’t have to be a professional artist - anyone is welcome! | | | | | |
A study of medical claims data, led by Pharmaceutical company Gilead Inc. and UW Medicine faculty, shows an association between HSV-1 infection and raised risk of Alzheimer's disease, as well as a possible protective effect of antiviral treatments. Similar findings have been reported in studies of claims data from other countries.
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A new device that monitors the waste-removal system of the brain may help researchers prevent Alzheimer’s, according to a study published in Nature Biomedical Engineering. “This is a critical step in the development of therapeutics targeting glymphatic function,” Jeff Iliff, a professor in psychiatry and neurology at UW Medicine.“ And if you can develop therapeutics that improve glymphatic function, you might be able to treat or prevent conditions like Alzheimer’s disease.”
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A Listening Circle for Music and Conversation
Tuesdays, June 3, 10, 17, 24 at 10:30 - 11:30 am.
Each week, explore short musical clips based on a theme, to reflect, imagine, and share what the music brings to mind. Led by Sarah McKiddy, violinist and PhD student, UW School of Nursing. A free program for people living with memory loss and their families. Attend as many sessions as you like.
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'Dancing Together' Seated Movement Class
Wednesdays, 1-2pm: June 4, June 18
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Books & Beats
3rd Wednesdays, 2:30- 4pm (Each book is discussed for two months)
June 18, July 16, August 20, September 17, October 15, November 19, December 17
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!
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Book Talk & Art Demo with Marilyn Raichle
Tuesday June 24 at 2 - 4 pm.
Discuss the book Don't Walk Away: A Care Partner's Journey with the author, Marilyn Raichle, and try your hand at the painting experience that inspired it all with Elderwise founder Shanta Sabersky.
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Brain Health Block Party
Wednesday June 25 from 11 am - 2 pm
Join your First Hill neighbors for our third annual Brain Health Block Party. Enjoy exploring the neighborhood, stopping at activity stations listed below for fun brain-healthy activities such as music, puzzles, creative arts, movement and more!
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| | | | 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 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. | | |
Lewy Body Dementia (LBD) can affect all areas of a person’s life. However, currently, it is difficult to identify and treat. By gathering clinical information from LBD patients, we hope to create a robust resource for future researchers to find better ways to identify and treat the disease. (Location: VA Puget Sound Health Care System).
- Dementia with Lewy Bodies,
- Parkinson's Disease Dementia
- Parkinson's with mild cognitive impairment
- Mild cognitive impairment and are a risk of developing LBD
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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. 2025 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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Garden Discovery - Summer 2025 (July 18, August 1, and September 5)
Connect with nature and engage in nature-based projects at Maude's Garden with others living with memory loss and friends and family. Flyer
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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.
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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 Support Group
A new Chinese-language resource at the Memory Hub, offered by our new on-site collaborator Kin On Health Care Center!
| | | | Other Community Resources | | Seattle’s Greenwood Senior Center offers a Dementia Resource Fair from 2-4 p.m. on Wednesday June 11. Explore support services including care companions, geriatric care managers, social engagement, elder law attorneys and more. Learn more. | | Amy’s Place – the new dementia-friendly community center at Bellis Fair Mall in Bellingham – has its Grand Opening from 4-5 p.m. on Wednesday June 11. Learn more | | The Alzheimer’s Association’s Caregiver Summit takes place 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. on Friday, June 20, at Emerald Downs in Auburn. This event features a variety of community resources, educational sessions, and refreshments – plus admission to live horse racing in the evening for an extra social activity. Tickets are $10. More info Learn more | | | | |
