Brain health & Parkinson's support — without giving up community life
Four pillars of specialized care: medical timing, adaptive dining, purposeful activities, and thoughtful design.


Who benefits from Cognitive Compass?
Nearly 1 million Americans live with Parkinson's disease, projected to reach 1.2 million by 2030 (Parkinson's Foundation, 2024). An estimated 6.7 million Americans 65+ live with Alzheimer's (Alzheimer's Association, 2024).
The program fits residents who need:
- Precise medication timing for Parkinson's
- Support for tremor, gait, or swallowing changes
- Early cognitive structure before a crisis
- On-site therapy instead of clinic travel
How the program is organized
- Medical care
On-time medication administration to the minute — critical when Parkinson's doses are even 15 minutes late. On-site Restore therapy in the apartment.
- Dining support
Weighted utensils, plate guards, texture-modified menus, and hydration tracking aligned to swallowing needs.
- Activities
Seattle Theater Group dance partnership, support groups, brain games, and movement classes adapted to ability.
- Environmental design
Wayfinding cues, lighting, and layouts that reduce confusion while preserving dignity and independence.

The fullest expression of Cognitive Compass
Anchored at Aegis Living Lake Union with APDA support groups, specialized programming, and the clinical depth families expect when neurodegenerative conditions need expert coordination.
“For Parkinson's residents, the difference between an on-time dose and a late one can be the difference between walking to lunch and being stuck in a chair.”
Aegis Living nursing team
How Cognitive Compass fits the wellness picture
Brain-health programming pairs with Restore therapy and nursing oversight — see the full wellness hub.
Tour Cognitive Compass at Lake Union
Meet the nursing team and see how medication timing and therapy work together.
Frequently asked questions
- Is Cognitive Compass only offered at Aegis Living Lake Union?
- The full program — including STG dance partnership and APDA support groups — is anchored at Lake Union. Core elements (medication timing, Restore therapy, dementia-trained staff) are available across all 39 communities.
- Do residents need a Parkinson's diagnosis to join the program?
- No. The program also supports mild cognitive impairment, essential tremor, early Alzheimer's, and other movement disorders after nursing assessment.
- How does Cognitive Compass differ from Life's Neighborhood memory care?
- Cognitive Compass runs inside assisted living with full community access. Life's Neighborhood is secured memory care for moderate to advanced dementia.
- What apartment types are available at Lake Union?
- Studios, one-bedrooms, companion suites, and memory-care apartments. Couples with different needs can share a home with individualized plans.
- Are on-site therapies covered by Medicare?
- Medicare Part B may cover medically necessary PT, OT, and speech therapy when ordered by a physician. Our team helps verify coverage before sessions begin.
- Can my parent try the community before committing long-term?
- Yes. Respite stays let families experience Cognitive Compass and the community before a long-term decision.
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