Current Status During COVID-19
- The UW Memory and Brain Wellness Clinic remains open for the needs of our patients, including visits by phone, video conference, or in person. If you have an upcoming appointment, you will be contacted beforehand to explore what visit format is best.
- The UW Alzheimer’s Disease Research Center is completing Clinical Core longitudinal study visits with currently enrolled participants by telephone, video, and in-person for some parts of the annual visit. Clinical trial visits have resumed with a combination of in-person, telephone, and virtual appointments. If you have questions or concerns, please email the study coordinator directly, or contact the research team at uwadrc@uw.edu or 206-744-0588.
- MBWC Community Programs and Events are still happening virtually, while in-person programs are on hold. Join us in April online, by phone, or by video, for a variety of support, education and engagement opportunities.
|
|
|
|
Dublin for Dementia: Maureen Cardosa's Marathon Effort to Support UW Alzheimer's Research
|
|
|
For San Diego educator Maureen Cardosa, running is more than a way to stay healthy. She runs to raise funds for Alzheimer's disease research in honor of her mother, Rosemary Gaither, who has lived with this disease for two decades. “My passion for running is a way for me to put my energy into something positive that can make a difference and connect people,” she says. Now, at “57 years young,” Maureen is training for her 7th long-distance race: the Dublin Marathon on October 24, 2021. This fitness effort is part of a UW Medicine campaign to gain donors for the UW Alzheimer's Disease Research Fund.
READ ON...
|
|
|
|
ADRC Awards for New Ideas in Alzheimer’s Research: 2021-2022
|
|
|
Congratulations to the recipients of the newly funded 2021-2022 UW ADRC Development Project Awards! These awards encourage investigators to use ADRC resources to advance the understanding, diagnosis, or treatment of Alzheimer’s disease.
Kimberly Alonge, PhD. Acting Instructor, UW Medicine: Brain glycan sulfation recoding in Alzheimer's disease
Katherine Prater, PhD. Postdoctoral Research Fellow (Jayadev Lab), Department of Neurology, UW Medicine Understanding microglia responses in resilience, cognitive decline, and neuropathological proteopathy
Astrid Suchy-Dicey, PhD. Assistant Professor, Elson S. Floyd Collecge of Medicine, Washington State University: Plasma phosphorylated tau protein and Alzheimer's disease in American Indians: The Strong Heart Study
Yuliang Wang, PhD. Research Assistant Professor, Paul Allen School of Computer Science and Engineering/Institute for Stem Cell & Regenerative Medicine, University of Washington Using metabolic network modeling to improve the maturity of iPSC-derived microglia for Alzheimer's disease
Learn more about the 2021 - 2022 Development project awards
|
|
|
|
2 Sneak Peeks of MBWC Presentations at the Upcoming 2021 Discovery Alzheimer’s Regional Conference Discovery Conference for Health Care Professionals
|
|
|
|
- Dementia-Friendly Activities – Virtually! Marigrace Becker, MSW, will speak about how virtual dementia-friendly programs have helped people with memory loss and their families stay socially, physically and cognitively active during the pandemic. And the benefits — such as reaching more people and people who may not have had access to in-person programs in their community — highlight the potential for virtual programs even when the pandemic subsides.
- What is MCI? A Local Neuropsychologist Explains Kristoffer Rhoads, PhD, will present the session: “What is MCI?” This talk will tackle all the complex, yet pressing questions surrounding the issue of mild cognitive impairment. How is it related to dementia? Why do so many physicians diagnose dementia as MCI instead of telling people they have dementia? Do all people with MCI go on to develop dementia? Is it progressive? What steps can individuals take to protect or strengthen their cognitive skills?
- Learn more and register for the conference offered by the Alzheimer's Association WA State Chapter. Click here for a full list of conference sessions
|
|
|
SUPPORT & EDUCATION PROGRAMS
The UW Memory and Brain Wellness Center is pleased to offer a variety of support and education programs for people with memory loss, their families, and the wider community. View upcoming opportunities below, or on our website. For more information, contact Marigrace Becker, 206-744-2190, mbecker1@uw.edu.
|
|
|
|
Lewy Body Dementia Knowledge and Support Summit - Monday, May 3
|
|
|
Each year, the UW Memory and Brain Wellness Center offers several "Resource and Education Days" - events providing specialized information and connection for people with the same type of dementia. In the spirit of these events, and thanks to the ease of virtual platforms, this year we are pleased to reach out and co-sponsor Mayo Clinic's Lewy Body Dementia Knowledge and Support Summit. This coast-to-coast virtual event will offer LBD expert information, support and connections from Seattle to Florida! Please see below for event highlights and join us online on Monday, May 3, from 9 a.m. - 12 p.m.
EVENT HIGHLIGHTS
- Speaking up: LBD perspectives
- Showcase of LBD resources
- You Asked, Leading Experts Answer! A panel discussion with LBD experts from the Mayo Clinic and University of Washington
- Reflections on finding hope and staying connected during COVID
- Caring Conversations - a facilitated small group time to share your LBD experience with others
- Access to videos on a variety of LBD-related topics
This event is for people with Lewy Body Dementia and their families; others interested in the topic are also welcome. Sign up here to be notified by email when event registration is open.
|
|
|
|
Save the Date: 2021 Dementia-Friendly Communities Conference
|
|
|
|
"Wellness Wednesdays" Webinar Series
|
|
|
The UW Memory and Brain Wellness Center is pleased to partner with the Alzheimer's Association, Washington State Chapter , to offer "Wellness Wednesdays," a free weekly webinar series for people with memory loss and their families. Join us online from 1 - 1:45 p.m. each Wednesday and enjoy dynamic speakers exploring topics and resources to help you thrive on your memory loss journey. See below for topics and links to register with the Alzheimer's Association. Note that separate registration is required for each presentation.
Healthy Living for Your Brain and Body
Presented by: Sydney Zen Zen, MS
Wednesday, April 7, 2021 | 1-1:45 p.m. PT | REGISTER HERE
For centuries, we’ve known that the health of the brain and the body are connected. But now, science is able to provide insights into how to make lifestyle choices that may help you keep your brain and body healthy as you age. Join us to learn about research in the areas of diet and nutrition, exercise, cognitive activity and social engagement, and use hands-on tools to help you incorporate these recommendations into a plan for healthy aging.
Sleep and Brain Health
Presented by: Dr. David La Fazia
Wednesday, April 14, 2021 | 1-1:45 p.m. PT | REGISTER HERE
Sleep plays an important role in your brain health and overall wellness, but it can sometimes be hard to come by. Join Dr. David La Fazia to explore the connection between sleep and the brain. Learn ways to lower your stress level and discover strategies to enjoy a good night’s sleep.
Effective Communication Strategies
Presented by: Hari Alipuria
Wednesday, April 21, 2021 | 1-1:45 p.m. PT | REGISTER HERE
Communication is more than just talking and listening – it’s also about sending and receiving messages through attitude, tone of voice, facial expressions and body language. As people with Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias progress in their journey, families need new ways to connect. Join us to explore how communication changes when someone has Alzheimer’s. Learn to decode the verbal and behavioral messages delivered by someone with dementia, and identify strategies to help you connect and communicate at each stage of the disease.
Activities to Keep Your Brain Sharp
Presented by: Beth Larson, MS
Wednesday, April 28, 2021 | 1-1:45 p.m. PT | REGISTER HERE
Staying cognitively active is one key part of brain health. From solving crossword puzzles to learning a new language, there are plenty of ways to keep your brain sharp. But which ones work the best, and which ones are right for you? In this presentation, learn more about the research on brain-boosting activities, and discover specific ways to challenge your brain throughout your day.
|
|
|
|
Virtual "Coffee Chat" for People with Memory Loss
|
|
|
|
 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 program manager Marigrace Becker. Space is limited; sign up by the day before. Join for just one session, or multiple.
10 - 11 a.m. on Tuesdays (April 6, 13, 20, 27 ).
Sign Up Here
|
|
|
 Join other family caregivers online to connect, share strategies, and support each other's experience caring for a loved one with dementia. Facilitated by clinic social worker Karen Clay, program manager Marigrace Becker and MSW student Erica Runge. Space is limited; sign up by the day before. Join for just one session, or multiple.
10 - 11 a.m. on Mondays (April 5, 12, 19, 26). Sign Up Here
|
|
|
|
Monthly Orientation for People Recently Diagnosed with Memory Loss or Dementia
|
|
|
|
NEW Caregiver Wellness Series
|
|
|
|
Spring Book Discussion Series Features Conversations with Leaders in Elder Care
|
|
|
|
The Frye Art Museum in Seattle, WA, in partnership with Aging Wisdom and the University of Washington Memory and Brain Wellness Center, presents On Dementia: Care, Community, and Creativity, a series of three conversations with leaders in elder care who have published books in 2020 that bring hope, connection, and joy to adults living with dementia, their care partners, families, friends, and those who provide support. Each program will be a Zoom webinar, including an interview with the author, readings from their new book, and questions from the audience.
Upcoming:
12 – 1 p.m. Thursday April 8: Join Susan H. McFadden, PhD, author of Dementia-Friendly Communities: Why We Need Them and How We Can Create Them, in conversation with Keri Pollock, Director of Marketing and Communications, Aging Wisdom.
12 – 1 p.m. Thursday May 13: Join Anne Basting, PhD, author of Creative Care: A Revolutionary Approach to Dementia and Elder Care, in conversation with Mary Jane Knecht, Manager, Creative Aging Programs, Frye Art Museum.
Learn more and register: https://fryemuseum.org/program/creative_aging_workshops
|
|
|
|
Online Support Group for Middle Schoolers With a Loved One with Memory Loss
|
|
|
|
Springtime Virtual Garden Discovery Walks
|
|
|
|
A scene from the April 2021 Virtual Garden Discovery Walk at Volunteer Park Conservatory
The Virtual Garden Discovery Walks started early in the pandemic as a virtual adaptation of our popular program that offered tours of local gardens and parks and demonstrates nature-inspired art activities, tailored for people living with memory loss and care partners. This program is offered in partnership with Seattle Parks and Recreation, with generous support from Family Resource Home Care. There are now 16 different walks and guided projects to enjoy any time from home!
|
|
|
|
See below for a sampling of online community events and programs for people with memory loss, families and the wider community. Learn, engage and connect!
- Starting Monday 4/19, Edmonds Center for the Arts offers "Storytelling through the Generations," a new virtual and phone-based oral history project in which people with dementia share with college students about their lives. A collaboration between ECA, UW Bothell, and SilverKite Community Arts.
- The Alzheimer's Association's virtual Discovery Conference for health care professionals in the field of aging or dementia returns on Friday, 4/23. Find other educational webinars coming up in April, here.
- Clark County is the latest in Washington to join in the global Dementia Friends movement, through the leadership of HOPE Dementia Support and the Area Agency on Aging and Disabilities of SW Washington. If you live in Clark County and would like to learn more about dementia and how to be supportive to people with dementia in the community, contact HOPE at 360-513-5754 or email alwaysHOPEinfo@gmail.com to explore upcoming Dementia Friends info sessions.
- Elderwise offers online social and arts-based programs for people with dementia and care partners. Free social program ("MiniWise") meets 11 a.m. - 12 p.m. on Mondays. Arts-based program ("ArtWise") meets from 2:30 - 3:30 p.m. on Wednesdays starting April 14 and costs $20 for a 6-week session.
- Greenwood Senior Center continues to offer virtual social groups, chorus and Zumba for people with memory loss. More info here.
- Taproot Theatre continues with its monthly "Z-Improv" (Zoom-based Improv) workshops for people with memory loss and care partners to enjoy the moment together.
|
|
|
|
RESEARCH OPPORTUNITIES & EVENTS
|
|
|
JOIN US IN OUR FIGHT TO HELP PREVENT DEMENTIA
Dr. Angela Hanson, a geriatric physician at the University of Washington and Memory and Brain Wellness Center, is running the MAP research study at the UW Medical Center. MAP is a research study looking at whether metformin can help prevent memory decline for people with mild memory concerns.
You may be able to join if:
- you are 55-90 years old,
- you or your loved ones have noticed some changes in your memory, and
- you are not already being treated for diabetes or dementia
Potential benefits:
- You will receive some of your blood test results. We can also share these results with your healthcare provider.
- Your participation may improve the prevention of dementia for future generations.
To learn more about the MAP study, please contact our local study coordinator:
Hanson Research Team
(206) 744-1851 or (206) 897-5393
hansonlab@uw.edu
Or visit us at: cuimc.columbia.edu/mapstudy or www.iths.org/participate/studies/
Taking part in MAP is voluntary and will not affect the care you receive. If you decide to join, you will be compensated for your time.
_
For a complete listing of all enrolling studies, visit the UW ADRC's Clinical Trials & Studies page.
The UW Alzheimer’s Disease Research Center is completing Clinical Core longitudinal study visits with currently enrolled participants by telephone, video, and in-person for some parts of the annual visit. Clinical trial visits have resumed with a combination of in-person, telephone, and virtual appointments. If you have questions or concerns, please email the study coordinator directly, or contact the research team at uwadrc@uw.edu or 206-744-0588.
|
|
|
|
|
