This page of digital resources is organized to make it easy for you to find what you need to learn more about brain health and dementia, including Alzheimer's disease.
- What is Dementia?
- Benefits of Early Detection
- Potentially Modifiable Risk Factors
- Additional Resources
What is Dementia?
Dementia is not a disease itself – it is a set of symptoms caused by a variety of conditions that damage the brain. These changes result in a decline in memory and thinking abilities that interfere with daily life.
While dementia is not a normal part of aging, it is not uncommon. Dementia happens to people who did nothing wrong.
About Dementia
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
Signs and symptoms of dementia, reasons for risk of dementia, common types of dementia, and more.
Dementia
Washington State Department of Health
Signs of dementia vs. normal aging, suggestions for support, and connections to community and resources.
Let's Talk Dementia Mini Videos
Washington State Department of Social and Health Services
Six brief videos featuring Washingtonians with dementia and their care partners, talking about the value of early diagnosis and what they suggest for living well with dementia.
Benefits of Early Detection
Early dementia diagnosis can improve quality of life. Below are three resources to review if you would like to know more about signs of dementia and the benefits of early detection.
Community Dementia Education Resources
Washington State Department of Health
Resources for Black/African American and Latinx communities to use for education and awareness. If you don’t have a medical provider and need one, call the Center for Multicultural Health at (206) 461-6910 or email cmch@cschc.org.
Self-Management Flags and Plans
Aging Disability Services
Self-Management Plans including one for Dementia and a Personal Health Record template that help patients track providers, medications, and questions for their health care team.
Why Get Checked?
Alzheimer's Association
If you notice the 10 warning signs, schedule an appointment with your doctor. An early diagnosis provides a range of benefits for the individuals who are diagnosed.
Potentially Modifiable Risk Factors
It is never too early or too late to improve brain health. Small lifestyle changes can make a big difference. Potentially modifiable means things in your life you can choose to change, either as individuals or as a community.
Dementia Risk Reduction
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
Common risk factors among adults 45 years and older, ways to improve your brain health, and what is known about reducing your dementia risk.
Promote Brain Health
Alzheimer's Association
Positive, everyday actions can make a difference in brain health, even lowering the risk of cognitive decline and possibly Alzheimer's and dementia. The10 Healthy Habits for your Brain.
Modifiable Risk Factors for Dementia Infographic (PDF)
Lancet Commission
A 2024 update to the Lancet Commission on dementia prevention, intervention, and care indicates that nearly half of all dementia cases worldwide could be prevented or delayed by addressing these 14 modifiable risk factors through the life course.
Additional Resources
Living with dementia has its challenges, and resources can help. Explore this diverse set of sites, ranging from data on dementia prevention to tips on building a dementia-friendly community.
Washington Community Living Connections
Links to personalized care, support services, and resources for dementia and memory loss. The Dementia Road Map (PDF) offers guidance about what to do when a person experiences changes in memory and thinking and steps to take if someone has been diagnosed with dementia.
Dementia Legal Planning Project Toolkit
Unsure about how to navigate legal planning if you or someone you love is living with dementia? Learn how to get free legal help for people 60 and over or people of any age who are currently experiencing dementia and access a Legal Planning Toolkit (PDF).
Memory & Brain Wellness Center
Promoting the well-being of those living with memory loss and their families. Dementia Friends Washington is a movement changing the way people think, act, and talk about dementia.
Us Against Alzheimer’s
Their work centers on prevention, early detection and diagnosis, and access to treatments for all. Addresses the needs of the people who are most heavily impacted by the disease.
Balm of Gilead
Culturally tailored brain health resources. The organization builds and strengthens faith communities to deliver programs and services that contribute to the elimination of health disparities.