Alzheimer's Resource of Alaska

09/12/2026

We have a full week ahead at ARA next week, and we couldn’t be happier to see so many opportunities to learn, connect, and get out into the community! 💙Starting Monday, September 14, our team will be busy across Anchorage and beyond.

We’ll kick off the week with Dementia Live® in Chugiak, giving community members an opportunity to experience this immersive dementia simulation and build greater understanding and empathy. On Tuesday evening, we’ll be at Chester Park for a community discussion on Normal Aging or Dementia?, helping Alaskans better understand what changes may be part of aging and what could be a sign that it is time to seek additional support. We’ll also continue offering education, engagement, and support throughout the week before joining organizations and professionals from across the state at the Improving Lives Conference on Friday, September 18.

Weeks like this are exactly why we love what we do. Whether we’re teaching a class online, bringing dementia education directly into an Alaska community, supporting caregivers and families, or connecting with partners working to improve lives statewide, we’re grateful for every opportunity to share resources and build stronger connections.

And there’s plenty more coming! Take a look at our full calendar to find a class, program, support group, or community event that’s right for you:

Stay connected with what’s happening across Alaska. From support groups and education sessions to community events and trainings, our calendar is your go-to place for upcoming opportunities to learn, connect, and engage. ARA’s classes and events are designed to empower individual Alaskans and th...

09/08/2026

People living with dementia still shop, dine out, attend events, visit businesses, spend time with friends, and participate in the communities they call home.

Sometimes they may just need a little more time, patience, or understanding. That’s one reason dementia education matters for all of us, not only caregivers and healthcare professionals.

Alzheimer’s Resource Alaska and the Alaska Training Cooperative at the UAA Center for Human Development created Core Competencies of Dementia to help Alaskans better understand dementia, recognize how it can affect everyday interactions, and respond in ways that preserve dignity and respect.

When more of us understand dementia, more Alaskans living with it can continue to feel welcomed, valued, and included.

Dementia friendly communities are communities where everyone belongs.

Learn more at www.alzalaska.org/core-competencies

09/04/2026

Have you ever been in a conversation with someone who was struggling to find the right words, repeating themselves, or having difficulty following what was being said?

For someone living with Alzheimer’s disease or related dementia, communication can become more difficult. How we respond matters.

Giving someone extra time, listening without rushing, and communicating with patience and respect can help an uncertain interaction become a positive one.

Core Competencies of Dementia, created by Alzheimer’s Resource Alaska in partnership with the Alaska Training Cooperative at the UAA Center for Human Development, helps you understand how dementia can affect communication and gives you practical skills for interacting with people living with dementia.

You don’t need to have all the answers. Sometimes, you just need the understanding and confidence to respond differently.

A little patience can make a big difference.

Learn more at www.alzalaska.org/core-competencies

08/31/2026

You don’t have to work in healthcare to encounter someone living with dementia.

You might meet them at the grocery store. At the bank. At a restaurant. At the airport. At work. Or they may already be your neighbor, customer, coworker, friend, or family member.

Would you feel confident recognizing when someone might need a little extra patience or knowing how to help without making them feel embarrassed or dismissed?

That’s why Alzheimer’s Resource Alaska, in partnership with the Alaska Training Cooperative at the UAA Center for Human Development, created Core Competencies of Dementia. This course gives everyday Alaskans a better understanding of dementia and practical skills they can use to communicate, connect, and respond with compassion.

The more people who understand dementia, the more we can reduce stigma and create communities where people living with dementia continue to feel valued and included.

A dementia friendly Alaska starts with people who understand.

Learn more at www.alzalaska.org/core-competencies

08/26/2026

📚☕ It’s time to cozy up with a good book!

The Page Turners Book Club begins today and we’re kicking things off with Aging with Grace by Dr. David Snowdon, a fascinating look at the landmark Nun Study and what it can teach us about aging, brain health, resilience, and purpose.

This monthly book club is a chance to slow down, read at your own pace, and connect with others through thoughtful conversation. Whether you’re a caregiver, healthcare professional, or simply curious about healthy aging and brain health, you’re welcome to join us.

For our first conversation, we’ll discuss Chapters 1 through 3, so grab your book, your favorite cozy drink, and join us!

📅 Wednesday, August 26
⏰ 6:00 to 7:30 p.m.
💻 Statewide via Microsoft Teams
📍 In person participation available in Fairbanks

Learn more and join the conversation: https://www.alzalaska.org/calendar/the-page-turners-book-club-aging-with-grace/2026-08-26/

The Page Turners Book Club: Aging with Grace Join us for our NEW Page Turners Book Club, a welcoming monthly discussion group for anyone interested in brain health, healthy aging,…

08/25/2026

Imagine a community where more people knew how to recognize when someone might be experiencing dementia and felt confident enough to respond with kindness instead of frustration.

That’s part of what we hope to build through Core Competencies of Dementia.

Created by Alzheimer’s Resource Alaska in partnership with the Alaska Training Cooperative at the UAA Center for Human Development, this course gives everyday Alaskans practical knowledge and skills to better understand dementia and interact with people living with Alzheimer’s disease or related dementias.

Because whether you’re at the grocery store, a restaurant, the airport, your workplace, or simply out in your community, you may encounter someone living with dementia. Knowing a little more about what they may be experiencing can change the way you respond.

Education builds understanding. Understanding reduces stigma. And understanding helps create a more dementia friendly Alaska.

Learn more and join us at www.alzalaska.org/core-competencies

08/24/2026

From Kenny Lake to Valdez, our team has been on the road again, connecting Alaskans with dementia education, resources, and support. 💙

This past weekend, Alzheimer’s Resource Alaska joined the Kenny Lake Fair, connecting with about 100 people from communities across the region, including Kenny Lake, Chitina, Glennallen, Valdez, Gulkana, McCarthy, Copper Center, and beyond. Events like these give us the opportunity to meet people where they are, answer questions, share resources, and make sure families know support is available when they need it.

And the outreach continues today in Valdez! Dementia Live® is open to the community from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Valdez Senior Center, offering an interactive experience designed to build greater understanding and empathy for what it can be like to live with dementia. Our Outreach Specialist will also provide a presentation for Valdez Senior Center staff from 2 to 3 p.m., followed by an opportunity for questions from 3 to 4 p.m.

We are so grateful for every opportunity to travel to communities across Alaska and bring education and resources closer to home. Every conversation creates greater awareness, every connection helps build a more dementia informed community, and every visit reminds us just how important it is to make sure Alaskans know they don't have to navigate dementia alone. 💙