Author: ALZ_WA

OUR VISION: A world without Alzheimer's disease. OUR MISSION: To eliminate Alzheimer's disease through the advancement of research; to provide and enhance care and support for all affected; and to reduce the risk of dementia through the promotion of brain health.
Alzheimer's Association, Alzheimer's Disease, Dementia, education, family, Research

WSU Researcher Adapts Online Program for ʻOhana Caregivers

Dr. Alexandra Jackson, PhD, RDN, CDCES, is a Postdoctoral Research Associate at the Institute for Research and Education to Advance Health (IREACH) at Washington State University. Dr. Jackson recently received funding from the Alzheimer’s Association for her research project, “Adaptation of an intervention for caregivers of Native Hawaiians with Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias.” Below, Dr. Jackson explains her research and her personal connection to … Continue reading WSU Researcher Adapts Online Program for ʻOhana Caregivers

ALZ_WA1 Comment
Alzheimer's Association, Alzheimer's Disease, caregiving, children, Dementia, family, Father's Day, Memory Loss, The Longest Day, Washington State

Honoring My Dad, My Hero: The Longest Day

By Heather Shadko My name is Heather Shadko. I grew up in the Midwest, just outside of Chicago, but I’ve been a resident of Puyallup, Wash., for 24 years. I’m a mother, wife and active member of my community. I work as a contract specialist for King County’s Department of Natural Resources and Parks, combining my passion for the environment and our community with my … Continue reading Honoring My Dad, My Hero: The Longest Day

ALZ_WALeave a comment
Uncategorized

With Love From the ALZWA Team: A Mother’s Day Tribute

With Mother’s Day fast approaching, we would like to take a moment to honor the inspiring women in our lives. Read our tributes below as we reflect on motherhood and celebrate all who love and care for those around us. Happy Mother’s Day with love from the ALZWA team! “To anyone who doesn’t know these two people, it looks like a nice walk in the … Continue reading With Love From the ALZWA Team: A Mother’s Day Tribute

ALZ_WALeave a comment
Stacy Bellew, owner of Coeur Cause Wines
children, Dementia, family, Fundraising, Walk to End Alzheimer's

A Sparkling Mother’s Day Weekend

By Stacy Bellew, Owner, Coeur Cause® Wines Diamond Partner for 2022 Walk to End Alzheimer’s in Washington State During Mother’s Day Weekend, our blossoming brand Coeur Cause® will be releasing its third wine benefiting the Alzheimer’s Association. We’ve raised almost $50,000 to date with much more to go. You are all invited to celebrate this inspiring partnership and event at one of our upcoming release parties.  … Continue reading A Sparkling Mother’s Day Weekend

ALZ_WALeave a comment
Uncategorized

Grief: The Elephant in the Room

By: Beth Hutchason, ARNP Can we take a moment to talk about something difficult? If you would rather not, that is fine too. From my experience, many people have been unable to talk about emotionally-charged subjects such as grief. I would like to give those people the space to do so here. Any major holidays are naturally stressful for people who are grieving. However, in … Continue reading Grief: The Elephant in the Room

ALZ_WALeave a comment
Don and Nancy enjoying a boat ride
Alzheimer's Association, Alzheimer's Disease, caregiving, Dementia, Fundraising, love, Memory Loss, music, Seattle, The Longest Day, Uncategorized, Volunteering, Washington State

My Journey in Honoring Nancy: The Longest Day

Don Desonier became an Alzheimer’s Association volunteer after losing his wife, Nancy, to early-onset dementia. This year, he is participating in The Longest Day® in her honor.  A woman of grace, beauty and limitless love Don’s wife, Nancy, was a professional flute performer and teacher, having graduated from UCLA with a degree in flute performance. Little did she know that her talent and love for … Continue reading My Journey in Honoring Nancy: The Longest Day

ALZ_WA5 Comments
Woman and her daughter at a doctor's appointment
Aging, Alzheimer's Association, Alzheimer's Disease, caregiving, Dementia, doctor, education, Health, Memory Loss, Seattle, Washington

Two New DPEN Initiatives Aim to Strengthen Dementia Care

By: UW Dementia Palliative Education Network (DPEN) Team Dementias are prevalent, debilitating conditions with far-reaching health and social effects. An aging U.S. population means that there will likely be a 50% increase in demand for dementia care by 2025. But large gaps exist in the US healthcare system for people living with dementia. With almost four million registered nurses — the largest part of the … Continue reading Two New DPEN Initiatives Aim to Strengthen Dementia Care

ALZ_WALeave a comment
Mark Donham and his wife Chris
Alzheimer's Association, Alzheimer's Disease, caregiving, Dementia, love, Memory Loss, Younger Onset Alzheimer's Disease

The True Value of Travel

By Mark Donham The following is an excerpt from Mark Donham’s chapter in The Moment Collectors: Twenty Travellers’ Tales From Around the World. It has been adapted for the purposes of the ALZWA Blog. Mark is a long-time Alzheimer’s advocate and is currently a board member for the Alzheimer’s Association Washington State Chapter. I was riding and exploring the dusty gravel roads of six countries … Continue reading The True Value of Travel

ALZ_WA1 Comment