Brain Health & Dementia
Resource Library
A friendly, easy-to-browse collection of trusted organizations, local support, and tools for brain health, memory loss, and dementia care — built for the Anacortes & San Juan Islands community.
You are not alone. Help is here.What We’re Working On Right Now
The Bulletproof Brain Summit
A full day of brain health education, movement classes, and expert speakers — plus adult day care on-site so caregivers can attend too.
Bringing an Adult Day Center to Anacortes
We’re raising funds to launch a local dementia and respite day program through the Old Friends Club model — giving Anacortes families a trusted place for their loved one, and caregivers a much-needed break.
Need Support Right Now?
The Alzheimer’s Association Helpline is free and available 24 hours a day. You can also reach our local WA Chapter contact directly, or find our Anacortes support group flyer below.
Local & Regional Support
Help close to home in Skagit County and the San Juan Islands
Northwest Regional Council – Dementia Support Program
A free local program offering one-on-one support, education, and care coordination for families dealing with dementia in Skagit, Island, San Juan, and Whatcom counties.
Alzheimer’s Association – Anacortes Support Group
A monthly support group for care partners, family members, and friends. Meets the 2nd Monday of every month.
Circle of Friends Café – Harbor of Hope Fidalgo Island
A relaxed social gathering for people living with memory loss and their care partners. No drop-off — you attend together. 4th Monday of the month, beginning April 27.
PNW Home For Life Foundation Support Groups
Free community support groups for those navigating Parkinson’s, stroke recovery, and other life-changing health journeys. Every third Thursday — drop in any time.
The Strength In Aging Squad (SAS)
A friendly weekly group from PNW Home For Life Foundation focused on balance, strength, fall prevention, and connection — right here in Anacortes.
Dementia Support Northwest
Regional resources, education, and connection for families facing a dementia diagnosis in the Pacific Northwest.
Skagit Adult Day Program
A supervised day program providing socialization, activities, and a caring break for both participants and their family caregivers in Skagit County.
Lorenzo’s House
Support specifically for families facing younger-onset dementia — a diagnosis that affects spouses, partners, and even young children at home.
Education & Research
Trusted, science-based information about brain health and dementia
WA Dept. of Health – Dementia Information
The state’s official hub for understanding dementia, finding care options, and connecting with Washington-specific programs and support.
Community Living Connections (WACLC)
A one-stop site to find services for older adults and people with disabilities anywhere in Washington — from meals to transportation to in-home care.
UW Memory & Brain Wellness Center
University of Washington’s center for memory disorder diagnosis, treatment, research, and education — a leading regional resource.
Alz.org Public Health Curriculum
Free brain health and dementia education programs and curriculum, designed for community organizations and the public.
Dementia Society of America
Education, awareness, and support resources for individuals and families affected by all forms of dementia.
iA Squared – International Association for Indigenous Aging
A national organization dedicated to brain health and aging resources for Indigenous communities and elders.
UsAgainstAlzheimer’s
An advocacy and research organization working to speed treatments and find a cure for Alzheimer’s disease.
Dementia Friendly America
Resources to help communities, businesses, and faith groups become more welcoming and supportive of people living with dementia.
Teepa Snow – Positive Approach to Care
Widely respected dementia care educator. Her videos and training help families and caregivers communicate and connect more effectively.
Day Programs & Respite for Caregivers
A little time to rest, recharge, and care for yourself too
Respite For All
Connects family caregivers with respite resources, planning tools, and short-term breaks so they can rest, recharge, and avoid burnout.
Skagit Adult Day Program
A safe, social, supervised day program in Skagit County, giving caregivers a trusted place for their loved one during the day.
Lifespan Respite Washington
Offers vouchers and grants up to $1,000 for unpaid family caregivers to access short-term respite care, including in-home help, adult day services, and more.
Circle of Friends Café
Not a drop-off program, but a wonderful way for both the person with memory loss and their care partner to enjoy a relaxed social outing together, monthly in Anacortes.
Legal & Care Planning
Get the right documents and plans in place, before they’re urgently needed
Safe Harbor Legal Solutions
Local legal support for estate planning, powers of attorney, and other essential documents that protect older adults and their families.
Pathways to Respite Toolkit
A guide for caregivers covering Medicaid-funded services, respite vouchers, bringing a new caregiver into the home, and self-care planning.
Dementia Legal Planning Program
Free legal planning assistance — powers of attorney, wills, and advance directives — for families navigating a dementia diagnosis.
Doctors & Specialists
Trusted physicians and clinicians focused on brain health
Kinnear Neuropsychology
Neuropsychological evaluation and care, located right in Anacortes — helpful for memory concerns, cognitive testing, and diagnosis.
Dr. Virginia Simnad, MD
A confirmed speaker for the Bulletproof Brain Summit, bringing medical expertise in brain health and aging to our community.
Dr. Dona Murphey – Prognosus
Neurology-focused resources and expertise on brain health and cognitive wellness.
Dr. Silke Appel-Cresswell – BC Brain Wellness Foundation
A movement disorders neurologist whose foundation supports research and education in brain wellness across the Pacific Northwest region.
Books & Further Learning
Resources to read and learn from at your own pace
The 36-Hour Day
By Nancy L. Mace, MA, and Peter V. Rabins, MD, MPH. Widely considered the essential, comprehensive guide for families caring for someone with Alzheimer’s disease, other dementias, and memory loss.
Teepa Snow Video Library
Free videos and resources specifically for people living with dementia — practical, compassionate guidance straight from a leading dementia care educator.
Older Adults Falls & TBI Prevention Toolkit
A Washington State toolkit on preventing falls that lead to traumatic brain injury — with practical home safety tips, since falls are a leading cause of dementia-related hospitalizations.
Dementia Friends Washington
A program from the UW Memory & Brain Wellness Center that helps everyday people — neighbors, business owners, faith communities — understand dementia and learn how to offer simple, meaningful support.
Purple Sunday Toolkit
An Alzheimer’s Association & AME Church partnership toolkit to help faith communities host an event raising awareness of Alzheimer’s disease and connecting members to care and support resources.
Let’s Talk Dementia – Mini Videos
Short, easy-to-watch videos from Washington State DSHS that help explain dementia and offer guidance in small, friendly segments.
National Organizations
Large organizations with deep resources, helplines, and ongoing research
Alzheimer’s Association
The leading national voluntary health organization in Alzheimer’s care, support, and research. Free 24/7 helpline staffed by specialists.
Dementia Friendly America
A movement helping towns and cities, like ours, become more welcoming and supportive places for people living with dementia.
UsAgainstAlzheimer’s
A nonprofit advocacy organization working to accelerate research and treatments to defeat Alzheimer’s disease.
Dementia Society of America
Provides national education, support programs, and a helpline for families navigating any type of dementia.
Old Friends Club
An award-winning adult day program model focused on friendship, purpose, and joy for people with memory loss.
