Family sits with a nurse to discuss palliative care options

Five Benefits of Palliative Care

By: Beth Hutchason, MN, ARNP What is palliative care? Okay, let’s start with a very frequent question: How do you pronounce this anyway?  It is pronounced “PAL-ya-tive,” not “PALE-ee-ah-tive.” Congratulations! You are now on your way. Palliative care is a type of care unknown to more than two-thirds of U.S. residents. Worldwide, 40 million people need palliative care each year, and only 14% receive it. … Continue reading Five Benefits of Palliative Care

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

Woman and her daughter at a doctor's appointment

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

Male caregiver at kitchen table looking sad and stressed

Caregiver Burnout: Is Your Flame About to Fizzle?

By Wendy Nathan, BSc, CMC As we enter our third year of the COVID pandemic, it’s important to pause for a moment and acknowledge how it has stretched us all emotionally, physically, mentally and financially. Daily life is challenging enough. Toss in an ever-evolving pandemic and the landscape becomes more complex. Family caregivers, you have been hit exceptionally hard. I want to acknowledge that too. … Continue reading Caregiver Burnout: Is Your Flame About to Fizzle?

Older adult holding a photo of themselves when they were younger

Turning Back the Clock: The Basics of Alzheimer’s Progression

By: Beth Hutchason, MN, ARNP Did you know that short-term memory lasts less than 30 seconds and can only hold about seven items? On the other hand, long-term memory can last for days to years. Some long-term memories are conscious (specific knowledge and events), and some are unconscious (knowing how to do things like tying your shoes). As a palliative care nurse practitioner, I met … Continue reading Turning Back the Clock: The Basics of Alzheimer’s Progression

Celebrating nurses who care for people, families and communities living with dementia

The UW School of Nursing is deeply invested in research, education and action directed at improving the lives of people with dementia and their caregivers. Among the School of Nursing’s initiatives are the transformational Dementia Palliative Education Network (DPEN) initiative and the Queen Silvia Nursing Award. Continue reading Celebrating nurses who care for people, families and communities living with dementia

Sorority Involvement Strengthens Walk to End Alzheimer’s in the Pacific Northwest

This article was originally published by the Alzheimer’s Association Oregon & Southwest Washington Chapter. It has been adapted for the ALZWA blog. ΣΚThe Sigma Kappa sorority brings women together through lifelong opportunities for social, intellectual and spiritual development. In college, members regularly volunteer in their community. This mission carries well past graduation, where sorority alumnae bring their values for personal growth, friendship, service and loyalty … Continue reading Sorority Involvement Strengthens Walk to End Alzheimer’s in the Pacific Northwest