June is Alzheimer’s and Brain Awareness Month

Dear friends and partners,

Governor Jay Inslee has proclaimed June to be Alzheimer’s and Brain Awareness Month. According to the Alzheimer’s Association, 120,000 people aged 65 and older are living with Alzheimer’s in Washington state. Friends and family dedicate 426 million hours of unpaid time to caregiving for people with Alzheimer’s disease.

The Dementia Action Collaborative, a group of public-private partners committed to preparing Washington state for the increasing number of people living with dementia, has created a variety of tools and resources to help individuals and families facing memory loss, Alzheimer's disease and other types of dementia. We are providing you with some of these tools and resources because we know many of you or your loved ones are impacted by Alzheimer’s and dementia. Many of these tools, as well as other local resources, are listed below.

Dementia Road Map: A Guide for Family and Care Partners (PDF: English | Spanish) Most families report they are not prepared for life with dementia and that they would welcome some type of “Road Map.” This document is designed to be just that. It provides a look at the big picture and the road ahead—and offers direction and tips about what to expect, what decisions lie ahead, and what steps to take. Click here (PDF) for information about how to order print copies.

Dementia Legal Planning Toolkit (PDF) People with memory concerns, Alzheimer’s or other types of dementia and their loved ones often have questions about planning for their future. The Dementia Legal Planning Toolkit can help you make important financial and health care decisions and give you the legal forms you need.

Dementia Legal Planning Assistance If you are 60+ and/or have dementia (any age) and need help to complete legal documents – powers of attorney for finances and health care, health care directives - the Dementia Legal Planning project is available to assist. Eligible people will be matched with pro bono attorneys to help navigate the process. Learn more at dementialegalplanning.org.

Dementia Safety Info Kit (PDF) This is a resource for family members and caregivers to assist in evaluating the home and taking steps to promote safety over the course of dementia. Materials highlight information and tips related to home safety, falls prevention, driving, and more.

Let's Talk Dementia This video series features Washingtonians with dementia and their care partners talking about the value of early diagnosis and what they suggest for living well with dementia.

Partnering with Your Healthcare Provider For people with memory loss and their care partners, this easy-to-navigate online presentation is designed to help consumers understand how to work in partnership with their healthcare providers, organize and communicate around care needs, and reduce the chances of potentially avoidable hospital or emergency room visits.

You can find more resources, including guidance, information and planning tools, at memorylossinfowa.org.