By Kiara Doyal, The Seattle Medium
More than 125,000 people in Washington are living with dementia, while more than 250,000 family members and loved ones serve as caregivers, according to the Alzheimer’s Association’s 2026 Facts & Figures report.
As communities across the country observe Alzheimer’s and Brain Awareness Month in June, health experts are highlighting the importance of education, support and social connection for individuals living with Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia, as well as the families who care for them.
For Marigrace Becker, director of the Memory Hub at the University of Washington Memory and Brain Wellness Center, the month serves as an important reminder that people affected by dementia do not have to navigate the journey alone.
“I think the importance of Alzheimer’s and Brain Awareness Month helps reinforce that you’re not alone in what you’re going through. There’s a lot of other folks on this journey, and hopefully highlighting the resources that are available to families,” said Becker. “Raising awareness about the fact that it can affect any of us is important. It doesn’t mean you did something wrong. It doesn’t mean you’re a terrible person, and it doesn’t deem your value as a human being.”
The UW Memory and Brain Wellness Center provides diagnosis, treatment and support services for individuals living with Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia. The Memory Hub, a part of the center, serves as a community resource center focused on education, guidance and support for patients, families and caregivers navigating a diagnosis.
“We have free memory navigator appointments that are available where people can do one-on-one appointments with someone like a social worker to talk about situations and what resources can be helpful,” said Becker.
One of the biggest challenges facing individuals diagnosed with dementia is social isolation.
Becker said many people withdraw from friends, family and community activities after receiving a diagnosis because they worry about how others may view or treat them.
“It is extremely common for people who are diagnosed to become quite socially isolated, which part of it is because of a stigma aspect of feeling like you don’t want people to know what is happening because they may treat me differently,” Becker said. “So, socialization is a huge area of concern for people with dementia. The Memory Hub and the different social engagement resources that we have are really to make it feel like you aren’t alone, you do have people on your team, and it is not just up to you to figure out.”
To help address that challenge, the Memory Hub offers a variety of programs designed to connect individuals and families with resources, education and support.
Caring for a loved one can also bring significant emotional and physical demands, sometimes leading to caregiver burnout. Becker said the UW Memory and Brain Wellness Center offers several programs designed to support caregivers and provide opportunities for respite.
“We have a class called Dealing With Dementia, and it is a four-hour intensive training for caregivers where they are learning all the ins and outs of supporting and caring for a loved one. We offer support groups, where some people share situations and difficulties that they are going through and receive support and resources from others,” said Becker. “We also have a respite program on site, which is a four-hour program where a caregiver can drop off their loved one and have a four-hour break.”
Historically, communities of color have often faced barriers to diagnosis, treatment and access to health care services. Becker said addressing those disparities remains an important part of improving brain health outcomes across Washington.
“Absolutely important. This is a huge area of need, and we are seeing it across the state. The way that certain minorities are more heavily impacted by conditions makes it important to address,” said Becker. “Culturally tailored and acceptable needs are super important in order to close that equity gap around brain health.”
One local program Becker highlighted is the SHARP Program at the Central Area Senior Center, which combines physical activity, social engagement and cultural connection for older African Americans.
“I want to give a special shout-out to the SHARP Program at Central Area Senior Center. This is a culturally celebratory brain health program for older African Americans, in which folks get placed into trios and walk one-mile routes around the Central District while reminiscing about culturally significant events, places and people,” Becker said. “It’s been a phenomenal success with the brain-healthy elements of social connection, physical activity and reminiscing within a culturally celebratory framework. People with and without memory loss participate.”
As Alzheimer’s and Brain Awareness Month continues, Becker hopes people facing dementia, memory loss or caregiving challenges remember that support is available.
“I want people to know that you are a valuable part of the community. There are a variety of resources that you can tap into that are free and accessible,” said Becker. “Whether through the Alzheimer’s Association or the University of Washington, we are here to support you.”
