Seattle 3rd Graders Learn about Dementia-Friendly Communities

In April 2026, the Dementia Friends 3-5^th grade Washington Youth Curriculum Pilot was presented to two third-grade classrooms at a Seattle Public School. Students learned about the brain, how different parts of the brain work, how dementia can affect the brain, and four key messages about dementia, including that dementia is not contagious like the flu, and how they can support people living with dementia through simple and meaningful actions.

Each student colored and assembled a paper brain hat to wear during the session, and one student was so excited that they wore their brain hat home to show a parent. Another student enthusiastically asked while constructing their brain hat, “What does the cerebellum do?” Through discussion and activities, students explored ways they can show empathy and support to people living with dementia.

The students were highly engaged and asked thoughtful questions about the brain and dementia. A few students shared personal connections to dementia, too. After one student spoke about their great-grandparent living with Alzheimer's disease, several classmates opened up and shared stories about family members with dementia as well. These sessions are a reminder that individuals of all ages benefit from an understanding of dementia and how to be supportive of people living with dementia.

The sessions were facilitated by Jamie Bird, a recent Seattle University graduate who completed her MSW Social Work practicum at the UW Memory and Brain Wellness Center. The curriculum itself was developed by UW MSW graduate Sara Pfeiffer and built upon by UW Doctor of Nursing Practice graduate Erika Gutierrez. We are grateful for their contributions to the creation of a curriculum that helps young people better understand dementia and supports dementia-friendly communities across generations.

To learn more about these youth sessions and request a session for your youth group, contact Katie at karenadz@uw.edu or (206)685-6749.