Alisa and her mom smile together

Why I Volunteer: Alisa Carroll

By Alisa Carroll I love you, mom.  My mom and I have always been best friends. She laughs easily and beautifully and has, her entire life, been the most animated and spirited person I know. She has been my cheerleader and encourager, and me hers –always at one another’s sides in times of need and celebration.  One of her dreams was to go to India, … Continue reading Why I Volunteer: Alisa Carroll

Navigating dementia and COVID-19 this holiday season

The holidays are often a joyous time, but they can also be overwhelming, especially for families affected by Alzheimer’s or dementia. This year, the COVID-19 pandemic adds new challenges, especially for older adults who may have underlying health conditions and are at the greatest risk of complications due to the novel coronavirus. Continue reading Navigating dementia and COVID-19 this holiday season

Aging with Pride: IDEA (Innovations in Dementia Empowerment and Action)

The Aging with Pride: IDEA (Innovations in Dementia Empowerment and Action) study is the first federally-funded research study examining ways to improve the health and quality of life for adults aged 50 and older in the LGBTQ community with memory loss and their caregivers. It tests a tailored approach to improve physical function and independence, addressing the unique needs of LGBTQ older adults who frequently … Continue reading Aging with Pride: IDEA (Innovations in Dementia Empowerment and Action)

Fighting for families like ours: Why I Walk

My name is Becky Smith (aka “Ponytail Girl” as my dad called me). My dad, Henry Leroy Wood, was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s in the early 2000s. My two brothers, Rick and Scott, as well as my mother Jan, have shared with me some memories and the reasons why we have chosen to participate in the North Central Washington Walk to End Alzheimer’s as Leroy’s Team. Continue reading Fighting for families like ours: Why I Walk

A role reversal in our marriage: Becoming a caregiver

By Janet Tarbutton  My name is Janet Tarbutton. I live in Liberty Lake, WA with my husband, Alan. We were high school sweethearts in Orange, CA. We went to rival town high schools and met at church. We are celebrating 42 years of marriage in July 2020. We love to travel, play golf and be outdoors as much as possible. We have so many wonderful … Continue reading A role reversal in our marriage: Becoming a caregiver

Kay Lehmann: Tri-Cities volunteer

By: Kay Lehmann  My name is Kay Lehmann. I am a native Eastern Washingtonian, empowered single person and VIG (Very Important Grandma). I grew up on the banks of the Snake River in northern Walla Walla County. Go to the ends of the earth and the farm I grew up on is beyond that! I moved into the City of Walla Walla in the ‘90s … Continue reading Kay Lehmann: Tri-Cities volunteer

Two people with Down syndrome

Caring for someone with Down syndrome and dementia? Now there’s a support group just for you

By Alison Koop If someone you love lives with Down syndrome, you may already know that they’re at an increased risk for developing dementia. Maybe your child, sibling or friend has been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease and you’re having to adjust to a new normal. Perhaps you’ve noticed changes in their memory, abilities or behavior that concern or puzzle you. You don’t have to travel … Continue reading Caring for someone with Down syndrome and dementia? Now there’s a support group just for you

Join the Post-Walk Match Challenge

Editor’s Note: Donate to any of 16 Walks through the end of the year. A generous donor has pledged to match at a ratio of 2:1 all gifts of $30 or more raised by any Washington State/Northern Idaho Walk team by December 31, 2017, up to a total of $50,000! This anonymous donor wants to inspire Walk participants to continue fundraising even though the 2017 Walk season … Continue reading Join the Post-Walk Match Challenge

Harnessing the Future of Medicine

Editor’s Note: State and National efforts to combat Alzheimer’s will be discussed at our Town Hall series starting in October. Raise your voice, attend a Town Hall near you! By Congresswoman Suzan DelBene Medicine is changing rapidly. Innovations in precision medicine, immunotherapy, population health and genomics are dramatically transforming the outlook for hundreds of heartbreaking conditions — including Alzheimer’s. But to harness the full potential … Continue reading Harnessing the Future of Medicine