UW Memory and Brain Wellness Center

Featured in The Seattle Times, Sarah McKiddy, a UW Nursing Ph.D. student, is studying the connection between music, brain health, and dementia in a project at The Memory Hub.

McKiddy is working with Seattle Chamber Music Society's the Balourdet Quartet, to create music-based memory-loss programs to boost participants' sense of self and well-being.

"I think it’s a really powerful memory cue, because it’s so tied to our identity and relationships,” McKiddy said. That can extend to people’s identities, or their connections to family or society."

The ‘powerful memory cue’ that can bring comfort to those with dementia Researchers are studying how music can help those living with dementia connect to others and the world around them.

We are so excited that our community partner, The Association for Frontotemporal Degeneration, is bringing the 2026 Education Conference here to Seattle in May! People diagnosed, care partners, families, friends, healthcare professionals, and researchers are invited to connect with people who understand the journey, learn about available resources and supports, and engage with experts to gain insight on the latest in FTD research and approaches to care.

Sign up to be notified when registration opens in February 2026 https://www.theaftd.org/education-conference-2026/