https://www.navigatingalzheimers.org/
When Makena Crosser's grandfather was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s, she discovered that there weren’t a lot of supportive resources dedicated to youth with loved ones affected by the disease. Now Makena, who is a student at Bainbridge High School ('26), has created a website, Navigating Alzheimer's: A Resource for Youth.
"This discovery sparked my motivation to provide such a resource to my community," she says. She hopes that this website can reach youths and young adults and help them learn more about Alzheimer’s disease and the available support they might need. "I am proud that this website offers resources for young people who may feel confused or overwhelmed by a loved one’s Alzheimer’s diagnosis. It is inspiring to know that I created something that helps youth who might be in similar situations to the one I was in."
During her research, Makena consulted with the UW ADRC's Dr. Paul Crane, MD, Professor of Medicine at the UW School of Medicine, for advice and feedback. "Dr. Paul Crane’s feedback was extremely impactful on how I approached this project. His emphasis on how Alzheimer’s disease is not something to be afraid of helped not only to deepen my understanding of the subject, but also influenced the website’s reassuring tone."
The Memory and Brain Wellness Center, the home of the UW ADRC, is excited to help share this helpful and inspiring resource with the wider community.
"It's terrific to have materials collated from the particular perspective of a younger family member," says Dr. Crane.
