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

Don and Nancy enjoying a boat ride

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

Collage of science images

Alzheimer’s and Type 1 Diabetes: Q&A with Dr. Luciana Mascarenhas Fonseca

Dr. Luciana Mascarenhas Fonseca received funding from the Alzheimer’s Association Research Fellowship to Promote Diversity Program for her project, “Alzheimer’s disease biomarkers, vascular risk factors and cognitive variability in aging adults with Type 1 diabetes.” Here, we ask her some questions about her background and the important research she’s currently undertaking. Tell us a little about yourself. How did you first become involved in Alzheimer’s … Continue reading Alzheimer’s and Type 1 Diabetes: Q&A with Dr. Luciana Mascarenhas Fonseca

Glenn kissing Pam on the cheeck at Christmas

Things I Miss: Making Every Minute Count

By Glenn Jacobs, Puyallup, Wash. Hi there, my name is Glenn. It has been three-and-half years since my wife, Pam passed away from Alzheimer’s. We were married in 1969, so it was a long time that we had been married. We first learned about her diagnosis only three years prior to her death, so that wasn’t a very long time at all. It was a … Continue reading Things I Miss: Making Every Minute Count

Taryn Jensen on vacation with her boys

My First Valentine: There’s No Love Like a Mother’s Love

By Brady Jensen My mom’s 10-year decline with Alzheimer’s disease began when she was 55 and ended last year. I miss her more than anything and have for the last few years. On Valentine’s day last year, I was snowed in and started writing down my thoughts. My mom used to make my brothers and me foot-by-foot pink heart-shaped sugar cookies topped with a cursive-frosting … Continue reading My First Valentine: There’s No Love Like a Mother’s Love

Patti and her parents on

Finding and Sharing Love: The Longest Day

By Patti LaFleur, The Longest Day® participant My name is Patti. I am 35. I am a lover, I am a (former) Kindergarten teacher, I am a fantastic friend, a dog mom and a wife to my amazing husband. I wear my heart on my sleeve and I love sharing my journey with others. My husband, my mom, our two bull terriers (Dakota and Sitka) … Continue reading Finding and Sharing Love: The Longest Day

Alzheimer’s Advocacy: Improving Outcomes for Families

By Patricia Hunter, Washington State Long-Term Care Ombuds My name is Patricia Hunter and I am the Long-Term Care Ombuds for Washington State. The Long Term Care Ombuds Program is charged with protecting the rights, dignity and well-being of everyone living in licensed long-term care in our state. I am also a member of the Dementia Action Collaborative (DAC), the workgroup that oversees the implementation … Continue reading Alzheimer’s Advocacy: Improving Outcomes for Families

Eat From the Rainbow To Build Brain Health

By: Nicole Vienneau, MSN, RN, NC-BC This blog was originally published July 28, 2020 on the Blue Monarch Health Blog. It has been edited and used with permission from the author.  When you eat from the rainbow of powerful plant foods, you make a bold choice to build your brain health. When you take care of your brain, you take care of your whole body! … Continue reading Eat From the Rainbow To Build Brain Health

Advocating for resources to help families impacted by dementia

Rep. Bateman has represented the 22nd Legislative District in the Olympia area since being elected in 2020, and is the vice-chair of the House Health Care and Wellness Committee. She is also on the Capital Budget and the Housing, Human Services & Veterans Committees. Rep. Bateman spoke at the Public Policy Town Hall on Nov. 9, 2021. The following is a transcript. I am so … Continue reading Advocating for resources to help families impacted by dementia

Sharing recipes: From our families to yours

This year, the Washington State Chapter board and staff gathered recipes to share with each other for the holidays. These recipes are family favorites, holiday favorites or just something people found to be tasty. Below are a few of the recipes from the book for you to enjoy!  Cowboy CaviarSubmitted by: Hailey Adair Ingredients:3 roma tomatoes, seeds removed, diced2 ripe avocados, diced⅓ cup red onion, … Continue reading Sharing recipes: From our families to yours