Finding Support: Facing My Dad’s Diagnosis

By: Amanda Johanson Hi, my name is Amanda Johanson. My father, Mark, was diagnosed with early-onset Alzheimer’s two-and-a-half years ago at the age of 61. Alzheimer’s runs in my family on my dad’s side. Both my grandma and great aunt passed away from Alzheimer’s — although they didn’t receive their diagnosis until much later in life.  My dad graduated from Purdue University with an engineering … Continue reading Finding Support: Facing My Dad’s Diagnosis

Around the Table with Brian Canlis

This article was originally published in the Summer 2021 issue of ALZ, a magazine of the Alzheimer’s Association. ALZ magazine shares inspiration and information about the fight to end Alzheimer’s — and offers tips on how to make your brain the focus of a healthy lifestyle. Subscribe today to get the next issue delivered right to your mailbox! Food can create snapshots in time — … Continue reading Around the Table with Brian Canlis

Giving Thanks: Community Helps Bring Dad Home Safe

By: Gloria Youngblood How many times have you passed a flyer, not really noticing it? Or perhaps seeing a picture of a lost cat or dog, taking a quick glimpse? Or, there is a picture of a missing person and you think, “How sad I hope they find him or her?” Perhaps you don’t believe you could be the one to help find a missing … Continue reading Giving Thanks: Community Helps Bring Dad Home Safe

Shared experience inspires tech duo to develop app for caregivers

Seattle locals Mark Tarbutton and Alan Allison are no strangers to the difficulties caregivers face when supporting a loved one with dementia. For the last seven years, Mark has watched his mother care for his father who is living with Alzheimer’s disease. Likewise, Alan witnessed his uncle struggle as a caregiver for his aunt when she was living with dementia. In 2021, the pair founded … Continue reading Shared experience inspires tech duo to develop app for caregivers

My Advocacy Story: Bruce Holroyd

By: Bruce Holroyd My name is Bruce Holroyd. Earlier this year, I became the Ambassador to Rep. Rick Larsen of Washington’s Second Congressional District. In this role, I will be working with the Washington State Chapter to keep Rep. Larsen’s office updated as to the dementia needs of his constituency. I am also working to increase membership on our Alzheimer’s Congressional Team. About me  I … Continue reading My Advocacy Story: Bruce Holroyd

For My Family, and Our Residents: Why I Walk

My family, like so many families, has been deeply affected by Alzheimer’s and dementia. My dad was a family physician in Yakima and he was diagnosed with Parkinson’s in his early 60s. Eventually, he developed Lewy Body dementia. We walked the journey with him, and it was incredibly hard on our entire family.     Continue reading For My Family, and Our Residents: Why I Walk

Creating a Better Future: Why I Walk

For the second year in a row, Emi Takayama is leading a team for the Pacific Northwest Walk to End Alzheimer’s. She walks in honor of her paternal grandmother, Megumi Takayama, who was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease at the age of 65.  Emi grew up with no concept of who her grandmother was before she was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease. “My earliest memory of grandma’s … Continue reading Creating a Better Future: Why I Walk

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

Making Connections: Why I Walk

By: Erin McLaughlin My name is Erin McLaughlin. I came to the United States from my hometown of Moffat, Scotland in 2003 to study for one year at Syracuse University. I had such a great year that I decided to stay on in the US, and once I graduated from Syracuse University, I got my master’s degree from New York University. I lived and worked … Continue reading Making Connections: Why I Walk

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