Carolyn Birrell is the author of “Walking with Fay: My mother’s uncharted path into dementia.” She is the keynote speaker at the Alzheimer’s Association’s upcoming Journey Conference on March 25 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Lynnwood Convention Center.  Q: What led you to write this book? A: I started chronicling my “Fay Stories” soon after I moved her to Idaho, mainly because … Continue reading Four Questions with Journey Keynote Speaker Carolyn Birrell

For family caregivers, holidays can be a difficult time, but they can also be a chance to show love and care to a family member living with Alzheimer’s or another dementia. This Valentine’s Day, we’ve teamed up with the University of Washington Medicine Memory & Brain Wellness Center to share some inspiring stories from caregivers in our community and tips and ideas for how you can … Continue reading A Loving Valentine’s Day for Those with Alzheimer’s

By Patti LaFleur A dementia or Alzheimer’s diagnosis does not mean that love has to stop. In fact, a person living with Alzheimer’s or another dementia can still live a beautiful life full of joy. My Mom and I lived our best lives despite the diagnosis. We did this by focusing on finding ways to connect with each other. We danced, laughed, created, and even traveled. … Continue reading Finding Joy and Making Connections in Dementia Care

Written by Steve, Alzheimer’s Association Volunteer and Zoo Walk Participant A Walk in a Park On nearly every Wednesday, shortly after the Woodland Park Zoo opens, members of the Alzheimer’s Association’s Early-Stage Memory Loss (ESML) Zoo Walk gather near the Zoo’s south entrance. There are typically four to eight Walkers in the group with their care partners accompanied by volunteers who either lead, help keep … Continue reading A Walk on the Wild Size: Early Stage Memory Loss Zoo Walks

Living with or caring for someone living with Alzheimer’s or other dementia can be stressful and overwhelming, but they aren’t the only ones who need support. Doctors, nurses, and other care providers can shoulder the stress and emotional toll as they come to know and care for patients and families facing Alzheimer’s and other dementia. Even the medical professionals we rely on for support, need … Continue reading Care & Support for Care Providers

Holiday travel can be hectic for just about everyone who does it, but it can be especially challenging for the 120,000 Washington residents living with Alzheimer’s. Even short trips to visit family and friends during the holidays can be stressful for people with Alzheimer’s and other dementia. While not all living with Alzheimer’s are able to travel, people living with early- and mid-stage Alzheimer’s often … Continue reading Holiday Travel Tips for Families Facing Alzheimer’s

The holiday season is a special time of year. As many of us gather with loved ones to celebrate the season, we may also notice changes in our friends and family. Oftentimes, it can be challenging to know if and when to seek additional advice and care. When memory loss starts to disrupt daily life, it may be time to schedule an appointment with your … Continue reading Know the 10 Signs of Alzheimer’s this Holiday Season

An update from the University of Washington Dementia & Palliative Education Network (DPEN) Have you ever noticed that no academic institutions offer a degree in “caregiving”? You’ve heard children say they want to be a nurse or an astronaut; have you ever heard they want to become a caregiver? Caregiving involves offering oneself to support and sustain another person. Seldom does someone envision becoming a … Continue reading Better Care for Caregivers

By: The ALZWA Care & Support Team (Jen, Steve, Maria, Estela, Em and Erica) “Self-care is not selfish. You cannot serve from an empty vessel.” – Eleanor Brownn We all know it, caregivers are superheroes. But even the strongest superheroes need time to rest and regain their strength. Looking after someone’s health, financial and legal affairs can be stressful and overwhelming. In honor of National … Continue reading 10 Tips for Caregiver Self-Care