Thanks for subscribing to the Memory Hub Newsletter, your source of the latest news, events, and resources at our vibrant community center for people living with memory loss, their families, and all who support a dementia-friendly community. This dynamic space is operated by the UW Memory and Brain Wellness Center, alongside partners the Frye Art Museum, the Alzheimer's Association, Elderwise, and Full Life Care.

thememoryhub.org 

• Our care consultant from the Alzheimer's Association acts as “Memory Navigator" to provide free 30-minute appointments to help you get connected with helpful memory loss resources. Learn more.

• Visit our Frame of Mind exhibit or view the virtual gallery.

• Our library/resource room provides a wide array of books about living well with memory loss and caregiving. View our titles.

• Maude's Garden, Washington's first public memory garden, offers a botanical oasis at the Memory Hub and hosts garden programs and art exhibits. Learn more.

Sarah Pfeiffer is a UW Memory and Brain Wellness Center social work practicum student, focused on community-centered practice. Working on-site at the Memory Hub, Sarah facilitates a caregiver support group and helps organize a variety of special events for people living with memory loss. Learn more about the Memory Hub through Sarah's experience.

"The Memory Hub is focused on what people living with dementia are capable of," she says. "Dementia is often a big piece of who a person is—here, we get to highlight other aspects of who they are."

We were honored to be one of the organizations selected to receive a generous donation from the Senior Care Coalition this year! Thank you for the support which will go toward helping people with memory loss and their families thrive.

Loretta is a former caregiver, author, and 2023 Maude's Awards winner, and is committed to providing tools and resources to family caregivers. This week she offered a wonderful series of workshops at Greenwood Senior Center, Central Area Senior Center, Southeast Seattle Senior Center and the Memory Hub. Thank you to Era Living for providing the underwriting support which made it possible to bring Loretta to our community. "I had an absolute BLAST!! Thank you so much for having me!!," Loretta wrote on Facebook.

Alzheimer's Association Advocates Push for Expanded Testing and Services and Senate Bill 5337

On Tuesday, community members came to Olympia to join the Alzheimer's Association at Advocacy Day. The group supports SB 5337, which would require memory care certification for assisted living facilities. This would mean that staff would need to be trained on how to care for people living with dementia.

"This bill is a big deal," says Steve Wilson of the Alzheimer's Association and Memory Hub on-site collaborator. "It's the first time this proposal has been brought forth." Advocates also want legislators to support insurance coverage for Alzheimer's early detection testing and to maintain funding for research conducted by the Washington state Department of Health.



"Many thanks to all the advocates who came to Olympia Tuesday to encourage lawmakers to support policies that improve the lives of the 126,000 Washingtonians living with the disease and the 247,000 unpaid family caregivers," wrote the Alzheimer's Association WA State Chapter leadership. "We're especially grateful to Erin who shared her perspective as someone living with the disease. encourage lawmakers to support policies that improve the lives of the 126,000 Washingtonians living with the disease and the 247,000 unpaid family caregivers."

Learn about all support, education, and engagement programs hosted at the Memory Hub, offered by the UW Memory and Brain Wellness Center and our on-site collaborators:

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!

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.

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.

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.

• February 2025 Dementia Friends Information Sessions

• View the Dementia Friends WA webpage for additional listings of volunteer interest overviews and champion trainings.

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

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. Learn more.

Memory Navigator Consultation Services: At the Memory Hub, a care consultant from the Alzheimer's Association acts as “Memory Navigator" to provide free 30-minute appointments to help you get connected with helpful memory loss resources.

Photo: Jonathan Vanderweit

Photo: Runyon Colie

Explore the updated Creative Aging at the Frye webpage. Creative Aging offerings have grown, with the addition of new programming designed to inspire creativity and connection for all aging adults. Programs labeled Dementia-Friendly are thoughtfully designed for adults living with dementia and their care partners, emphasizing present-moment awareness and new possibilities for creative expression and engagement. Learn more.

Dániel Somogyi. View of Königssee, 1878. Image courtesy, Frye Art Museum

Community Resources

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.