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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, Kin On Health Care Center, and Maude's Ventures. | | Drop in anytime between 9am - 4pm, Monday - Thursday. We are located at 1021 Columbia St. Seattle. | |  | Limited valet parking provided around the corner at Murano Senior Living, with validation at our front desk. | | |
The First Hill Community Gathers for the 2026 Brain Health Block Party
Neighboring organizations come together in honor of Brain Health Awareness Month
| | At our 4th annual Brain Health Block Party, held in honor of Alzheimer's and Brain Awareness Month 2026, community members of all ages turned out for a day of brain-healthy activities and social connection in Seattle’s First Hill neighborhood. On Friday, June 26, eleven sites celebrated a variety of fun, easy ways to promote brain health and wellness, such as healthy eating, staying active, creating art, strolling in gardens, challenging our minds, and engaging with others. | | |
A big thank you to the community partners who offered an activity station, including Freeway Park Association, Frye Art Museum, Horizon House, Kline
Galland - Mary Schwartz Summit, Murano Senior Living, Museum House, Skyline Seattle, St. James Cathedral, Seattle, Tate Mason House, Union Grand, and Virginia Mason Franciscan Health.
One hundred and fifteen people visited our station at the Memory Hub, which featured games, karaoke, garden herb tea samples, and music by Keys to Connection, a group of high school students from Olympia. Thank you to those who supported The Memory Hub station, including staff and donations from the de Tornyay Center for Healthy Aging, UW School of Social Work, First Hill Neighborhood Improvement Association, Alzheimer's Association, Washington State Chapter, Nolia Health, Lifelong Recreation Programs/ Seattle Parks and Recreation, Elderwise, Ferry Foundation, Kin On, UW Medicine Neurosciences Institute, and Aegis Living Lake Union. (Photos show scenes at the Memory Hub station)
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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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Maude’s Ventures 2026 Applications are Open!
Through August 31st, 2026, Maude's Ventures 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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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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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.
Learn more about the Memory Café Expansion Project and additional upcoming trainings.
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AARP Washington Features the Memory Cafe Expansion Project
AARP is highlighting the WA Memory Cafe Expansion Initiative to open 100 Memory Cafés statewide within two years, featuring project lead Katie Zeitler of the UW Memory and Brain Wellness Center and Memory Hub, and former Alzheimer's caregiver Ginger Opdyke of Whidbey Island. Ginger launched a Memory Cafe in 2023. This cafe now meets twice monthly, serves nine to 12 families and has reached 89 families with activities like art, music and games. “A Memory Café is a place where dementia kind of melts away,” she says in New Strategies in Brain Health [AARP.org].
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Shared Outdoor Adventures for Resilience (SOAR) 2026-2027 Hikes
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. This program is for people diagnosed with Alzheimer's or another dementia before age 65, alongside a family member or friend. Photo: Nicholas Swatz/UW Medicine)
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Galleries and Gardens
Friday, August 14, 2 - 4 pm
Start your afternoon at the Frye with an art discussion inspired by an artwork from the exhibition Wallflowers, then continue next door to the Memory Hub for a tea workshop and 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.
Capacity is limited to 16 participants (8 pairs of individuals living with dementia and their care partners).
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Garden Discovery Program - Summer
Fridays: July 17, August 7, September 4
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 (July 17, August 7, September 4). Offered in partnership with UW Memory and Brain Wellness Center and Seattle Parks and Recreation. Made possible by generous support from Skyline Seattle.
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Books & Beats
June 17, 2:30 pm- 4 pm and every 3rd Wednesday of the month. Each book is discussed for two months.
Caregivers will have a book discussion group led by the Seattle Public Library. People with memory loss will have a music engagement program led by a certified music therapist. In the last half hour, we'll come together for social time and snacks!
Flyer for 2026
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Dancing Together
Select Wednesdays, 1 - 2 pm
Join Dr. Julia Becke for Dancing Together at the Memory Hub! Dancing Together is a seated dance and movement program designed for people living with memory loss and their families. This free workshop offers a unique opportunity for joyful self-expression through movement, inspired by the stunning sounds of a nationally acclaimed string quartet. No registration required.
View Summer 2026 flyer [PDF]
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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.
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NEW In-Person Dementia Caregiver Support Group
1st Thursday of Each Month, 1 pm - 2:30pm
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.
Location: The Memory Hub
To join for free, call: 800.272.3900
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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 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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Learn about our Chinese-language caregiver support group and activity program for loved ones at the Memory Hub, offered by our on-site collaborator Kin On Health Care Center!
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Virtual FTD Caregiver Support Group
A virtual support group for people caring for a loved one with frontotemporal degeneration. Every second Wednesday of the month 5:30 pm PT - 7 pm PT, on Zoom. For more information and the Zoom link, contact facilitators Dennis Kelly at dwkellyjr@gmail.com or Pooja Thorali at thoralip@uw.edu.
Flyer
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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.
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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| | Learn about all recurring programs hosted at the Memory Hub, offered by the UW Memory and Brain Wellness Center and our on-site collaborators by clicking on the Support, Education, and Engagement menu item on the Memory Hub website. | | | | Memory Hub Collaborator Offerings in the Community | | The Memory Hub is operated by the UW Memory and Brain Wellness Center. Our partners include the Frye Art Museum, the Alzheimer's Association, Elderwise, Kin On Health Care Center, and Maude's Ventures. See below for their news and offerings that happen in locations beyond the Memory Hub. | | | Latest offerings at Elderwise | | |
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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Latest offerings at the Frye Art Museum
704 Terry Avenue, Seattle, WA 98104
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Art in the Moment
Thursday, July 9, 1 - 2:15 pm
Join a small-group, in-gallery experience led by a specially trained museum educator, where conversations and community create a welcoming space for people living with dementia and their care partners.
Register [Frye Art Museum]
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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 [Frye Art Museum]
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Dancing Together at the Frye
September 10, 1 - 2 pm
Move, imagine, and connect in this seated dance class that combines classical choreography and playful movement inspired by the art in Frye Salon. Led by physician and classically trained dancer Dr. Julia Becke, this uplifting program celebrates creativity and community.
Register [Frye Art Museum]
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Latest offerings of Kin On Health Care Center
Seattle and Bellevue
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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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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. Register.
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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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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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