SHELTON, WA – Mason Health is proud to announce a new partnership with the University of Washington’s Northwest Rural Brain Health Initiative, a groundbreaking research effort aimed at understanding brain health and dementia risk in rural communities. As part of this collaboration, Dr. Justin Miller, PhD, Principal Investigator at the University of Washington, will be based regularly at Mason General Hospital to lead the study locally.

Research has shown that individuals living in rural areas face a higher risk of Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia, but the reasons behind this disparity remain unclear. The Northwest Rural Brain Health Initiative seeks to uncover the factors contributing to this increased risk and improve outcomes for rural populations.

“We are excited to support this important research and welcome Dr. Miller to Mason Health,” said Jennifer Capps, Chief Development & Communication Officer. “This partnership reflects our commitment to advancing health equity and supporting our aging population.”

Eligible participants must:
•    Be age 50 or older
•    Live in a rural community
•    Be fluent in English
•    Have a study partner (someone who knows them well)
•    Be willing to provide a blood sample

Study requirements include:
•    Returning every two years for follow-up visits
•    Participating in interviews with a study partner
•    Undergoing a blood draw
•    Completing 1–2 hours of cognitive testing

Participants will receive compensation for their time and effort. Additionally, results from study visits — including bloodwork and cognitive assessments — can be shared with their health care provider.

For more information or to inquire about participation, please contact Dr. Miller directly at (206) 744-6280 or brainhealth@uw.edu.

Mason Health, Public Hospital District No. 1 of Mason County is ISO 9001 Quality Management System certified by Det Norske Veritas (DNV) and is a licensed and accredited acute care hospital with a level four emergency trauma designation. The Board of Hospital District Commissioners are Don Welander, President, Darrin Moody, Secretary, and Lori Brady, Trustee. Mason General Hospital and Mason Clinic are ENERGY STAR® certified and Mason Health is the recipient of one Practice Greenhealth Environmental Excellence Award, three Partner for Change Awards, two Greening the Operating Room Awards, the Making Medicine Mercury Free Award and the 2025 Emerald Award. To learn more about Mason Health’s sustainability efforts, visit https://www.masonhealth.com/about/sustainability-environmental-stewardship. There are more than 100 physicians on staff in 19 specialties. For more information or to find a health care provider, visit www.masonhealth.com. To learn more about DNV, visit www.dnv.com/healthcare.