Community-based and Faith-based Organizations

Helping Communities Build Awareness and Support

Community-based and faith-based organizations play an important role in helping people access the information, resources, and services they need. These organizations are trusted sources of information and understand the unique strengths and needs of the communities they serve.

Many community organizations are already working to improve health and well-being. By sharing information on brain health and dementia, organizations can help community members learn how to reduce their risk of dementia, recognize early signs, and find support for people living with dementia and their care partners.

This page provides tools and resources that organizations can use to increase dementia awareness, promote brain health, and connect people with helpful services. Many of the resources are available in Spanish.

Increase Understanding About Dementia

Dementia Friends Washington helps communities understand what dementia is, how it affects people, and how to support people living with dementia and their care partners. Organizations can become partners and help bring dementia awareness activities to their communities.  

The 10 Early Signs and Symptoms of Alzheimer’s and Dementia covers the common warning signs of dementia and when to encourage someone to talk with a health care provider

The Dementia Legal Planning Toolkit English (PDF) | Spanish (PDF) provides information to help individuals and families complete important legal planning documents. Get free assistance with completing legal planning forms.

Brain Health and Dementia Risk Reduction Resources

Share the Keep Your Brain Healthy Flyer (PDF) with community members to encourage everyday actions that support brain health.

(re)think Your Brain Challenge provides science-based information and a six-step challenge with daily actions that support brain health and may help reduce the risk of dementia.

Brain Health at Work from the Alzheimer's Association provides free resources, education, and tools to help employers promote brain health among employees.

Explore the Washington State Department of Health’s Brain Health Resources for additional information, tools, and materials to support brain health promotion.

The Community Convening Toolkit (PDF) provides a framework for public health agencies, community organizations, and partners to host conversations about incorporating brain health into existing community efforts.

Early Detection and Diagnosis Resources

The Early Detection of Dementia Toolkit (PDF) is designed for community-based organizations and guides recognizing concerns, starting conversations, and connecting people to resources. To support conversations about memory changes try:

Community-Specific Resources

The Black/African American & Latinx Community webpage and Let’s Talk Dementia Mini Video Series provide culturally relevant information and tools to support dementia conversations within diverse communities. International Association for Indigenous Aging has resources for the American Indian/Alaska Native communities.

Support for People Living with Dementia and Care Partners

People living with dementia and their care partners benefit from connection, education, and ongoing support. The following resources can help individuals and families find assistance.

Memory Cafés in Washington are welcoming social gatherings for people experiencing memory changes or dementia at any stage and their caregivers.

Dementia Road Map

Dementia Road Map: A Guide for Family and Care Partners English (PDF) | Spanish Translation (PDF) | Russian Translation (PDF). To order hard copies, follow these instructions (PDF).

The Guiding an Improved Dementia Experience (GUIDE) Model (PDF) supports people living with dementia and their caregivers through coordinated, evidence-based services including care navigation, access to a 24/7 support line, caregiver training and education, respite services up to $2,500 annually, and connections to community resources.

The Memory Navigator Consulting Services at the Memory Hub provides free, personalized guidance through free 30-minute appointments with a care consultant. Get support with memory concerns, caregiving questions, finding community resources, and understanding available services. Appointments are available in person at the Memory Hub, online through Zoom, or by phone. 

Find Dementia and Caregiver Support Groups near you to help people living with dementia and care partners connect with others who understand their experiences.

Data and Information About Dementia in Washington State

Data can help communities understand the impact of dementia and identify opportunities to promote brain health and support people living with dementia. Organizations can use these resources to inform community discussions, planning efforts, and leadership conversations.

Washington State Alzheimer's Facts and Figures flyer (PDF) and Alzheimer's Association Facts & Figures Report (PDF)

Washington State Risk Factor Data (PDF) shows the prevalence of health factors across Washington that may influence dementia risk. For county-specific maps, please email tiffany.turner@doh.wa.gov.

Washington State county-level prevalence data (PDF)

Additional Support and Partner Organizations

If your organization needs additional resources, guidance, or support, the following agencies can help: