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Cognitive Compass

Brain health & Parkinson's support — without giving up community life

Four pillars of specialized care: medical timing, adaptive dining, purposeful activities, and thoughtful design.

Residents in a dance-for-Parkinson's class in a sunlit studio
Physician consulting with resident and family

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
Four pillars

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.

Clinical team supporting resident wellness
Lake Union flagship

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.

Next steps

Tour Cognitive Compass at Lake Union

Meet the nursing team and see how medication timing and therapy work together.

FAQ

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.