“Innovations in Dementia Empowerment and Action” Program Fights LGBTQ Senior Memory Loss

A subject near and dear to my aging heart (and brain): a new program called IDEA which is short for “Innovations in Dementia Empowerment and Action” is the first “federally-funded project testing a program designed to improve quality of life for LGBTQ people who experience memory loss or who help those experiencing memory loss” and it’s a project associated with Seattle’s own Aging with Pride group.

Frankly, we’re shocked the current Trumpf Administration let this get funded…how did that happen?

Participants in this program (and either the caregiver or the person experiencing the memory loss must identify to participate) will meet with a coach to learn exercises and techniques to combat memory loss. The program will include 9 in-person visits with the coach in a six week period of time (with follow up) and participants are compensated for their time.

If you or anyone you know might be a good fit for this program, read on for more information and contact details:

Are you or a loved one experiencing memory loss?

Aging with Pride: IDEA (Innovations in Dementia Empowerment and Action) is an exercise and problem-solving program for older adults with memory loss and the people who help them. Learn about the program and join by contacting us at (888) 655-6646 or ageIDEA@uw.edu.

Aging with Pride: IDEA is the first federally-funded project testing a program designed to improve quality of life for LGBTQ people who experience memory loss or who help those experiencing memory loss. Participants are compensated for their time.

The study takes place in the Seattle, San Francisco, and Los Angeles metropolitan areas. Older adults with memory loss can participate with an informal care partner, who may be a spouse or partner, friend, family member, or anyone who assists them. Either the person with memory loss or the person who helps them (or both) must be LGBTQ. Participants meet with a coach to learn exercises and strategies related to memory loss. The program includes 9 in-person sessions with the coach over 6 weeks, with follow-up phone calls.

IDEA is led by University of Washington School of Social Work professor Karen Fredriksen Goldsen and UW Nursing professor Linda Teri. Dr. Fredriksen Goldsen is the primary investigator for Aging with Pride: National Health, Aging, and Sexuality/Gender Study (NHAS), the first national longitudinal study of health and well-being in LGBTQ older adults, and Dr. Teri pioneered the RDAD (Reducing Disabilities in Alzheimer’s Disease) program, which has been shown to improve quality of life for people with memory loss and reduce rates of institutionalization.

Click for our flyer, postcard, and business card, or contact us if you want some mailed to you.

Contact Us!

1-888-655-6646

ageIDEA@uw.edu