Blood-based biomarkers and the contribution of ADRC research participants
Blood-based biomarker tests have transformed Alzheimer’s disease diagnosis and monitoring in the last decade. They can be essential tools in Alzheimer’s and brain health by acting as an added clinical tool for early detection of Alzheimer's disease and related dementias.
| | | |
This year, the UW Alzheimer's Disease Research Center began a focused effort to support research into fluid biomarkers for Alzheimer's disease and related dementias in the newly created ADRC Biomarker Core, led by Lynn Bekris, PhD, Professor of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology at UW Medicine, alongside Donald L. Elbert, PhD and Michael Rosenbloom, MD, who are both Associate Professors of Neurology at UW Medicine.
In this article, Dr. Bekris shares what she is learning from the ADRC and her own research using blood-based biomarkers to study the immune response in Alzheimer's disease. She studies circulating biomarker results from individuals in the ADRC longitudinal study to detect early inflammatory changes associated with neurodegenerative disease, using state-of-the-art research equipment.
“In just a drop of blood, we can measure over a hundred, or even over a thousand, immune-related proteins,” she says.
Read Article [MBWC website]
| | We want to hear from you! | |
Age- and Dementia-Friendly WA Survey
Take and share the Age- and Dementia-Friendly Washington survey.
Washington has one of the longest life spans in the country and is home to an increasingly diverse aging population. To help us address emerging needs and improve the quality of care, we invite you to participate in two ways:
Take the Survey
The Survey is Available in 8 Languages. Download the survey outreach toolkits from the WA State Health Care Authority.
| |
Balourdet Quartet Community Performance
Tues. Dec. 16, 1 pm
The Balourdet Quartet will join the Memory Hub community for an engaging afternoon of chamber music. Register for this event.
Event flyer
| |
You & Me
A collaboration with O'Dea High School
Select Tuesdays from December 2 to May 5, 2026
A unique opportunity for individuals living with memory loss to build meaningful connections across generations. You & Me offers free monthly gatherings with O'Dea High School students for conversations and engaging activities. Pre-registration required: contact Jamie Bird at jbird64@uw.edu or 206.221.7304.
Event flyer
| |
Galleries and Gardens
Fri. Feb. 20, 2-4 pm
Start your afternoon at the Frye Art Museum with an art discussion inspired by nature, then continue next door to the Memory Hub for an herbal tea workshop inspired by Maude’s Garden. Designed for people living with dementia and their care partners, this event invites pairs to connect through creativity, conversation, and sensory experiences.
Presented by the Frye Art Museum in collaboration with UW Memory and Brain Wellness Center and Maude's Garden at the Memory Hub.
Learn more and register for this program [Frye Art Museum]
| | | | We are looking for volunteers to participate in a study run by Dr. Angela Hanson at the University of Washington: The COGIT-2 Trial. COGIT-2 is a research study looking at whether crosswords puzzles training and health education can improve cognitive performance in participants with memory concerns. Learn more about COGIT2 [uwadrc.org]. | |
| |
Brain Health Rx
Prescriptions for Brain Health from the MBWC Clinic
Evidence from recent clinical trials supports these recommendations for promoting brain health in mid to later life
Download Checklist
| | | | Support & Education Programs | |
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.
Upcoming Information Sessions
| | | |
Memory Navigator Consultation Services
Looking for information or support for the memory loss journey? At the Memory Hub, a care consultant from Kin On Health Care Center acts as “Memory Navigator." They provide free 30-minute appointments in Chinese or English on Monday afternoons. Get support with memory loss or caregiving topics, including information and referrals to community resources. Discuss what you're looking for, and discover what may be available in your area to help you thrive.
Learn more about Memory Navigator
| | | |
Caregiver Forum - Virtual
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.
| | |
Chinese Dementia Caregiver Support Group
A Chinese-language resource at the Memory Hub, offered by our new on-site collaborator Kin On Health Care Center. Sign up.
| | |
Coffee Chat - Virtual
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.
| | |
Early Memory Loss Caregiver Support Group - Virtual
Join our virtual support group and receive practical caregiving advice and peer support. A free 8-week series on Thursdays at 10 am - 11:30 am from Jan. 22 - Mar. 12.
| | |
FTD Caregiver Support Group - Virtual
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. View Flyer
| | |
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
| | |
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.
| | |
PPA Support Group
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
| | | |
Balourdet Quartet Collaboration with the Memory Hub for Music-Based Memory Loss Programming
Join in various programs with the Seattle Chamber Music Society's inaugural String Quartet-in-Residence, the Balourdet Quartet! The quartet is partnering with the Memory Hub and its community partners to embed in existing programs and co-design new music-based programming for people living with memory loss and their care partners.
| | | |
Books & Beats
2:30- 4pm 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 Nov. - Dec.
| | |
Chinese Healthy Aging
The summer series of the Chinese Healthy Aging programs, featuring tai chi, karaoke and mahjong, will run 1-3 p.m. Mondays Oct. 6 - Dec. 22 at the Memory Hub. Flyer
| | | |
'Dancing Together' Seated Movement Class
Wednesdays, 1 - 2pm
Come together to move to music, exploring various dance styles and having fun with familiar songs! It is also appropriate for people with limited mobility. No dance experience necessary
Schedule: Fall 2025
| | |
Garden Care Work Parties - Dec. 8
2nd Mondays of the Month at 1:30 - 3 pm.
Join us to volunteer in Maude's garden care. All are welcome, with a special invitation to persons with memory loss and their families. If you need physical or cognitive support in order to participate, please bring a care partner with you. Flyer
| | |
Garden Discovery Program - Fall 2025 (Dec. 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
| | |
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.
| | |
The Alzheimer's Café
Tues. Dec. 9, 2:30 - 4 pm
New for 2026: Alzheimer’s Café will take place on the third Thursday of each month.
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.
| | | Other Community Resources | | You’re invited to come be a “Grandfriend” for young kids (age 0-5) and their families in the Music Together Generations program at Amy’s Place in Bellis Fair Ball. 11-11:45 a.m. Thursdays Dec 4, 11 and 18. Classes may include singing, movement, percussion and fun! View more info on the Amy’s Place calendar. | | HOPE Dementia Support in Vancouver, WA welcomes you to Jingling for HOPE, a joyful holiday celebration for people living with dementia and their care partners. Enjoy music, treats, and connection. 1-3 p.m. on Tuesday, December 9, at the Bridgeview Resource Center. Learn more about Jingling for HOPE. | | |
The All Present memory loss chorus presents their holiday concert from 2-3:30 p.m. on Sunday December 14. A free event; come join the fun at Greenwood Senior Center, 525 N 85th St, Seattle.
| | | | |
