July 24, 2025
One in three older adults in the United States dies with Alzheimer’s or another form of dementia — a staggering number that reflects the growing impact on families and communities. Many more are living with dementia, often undiagnosed, and face daily challenges as they travel, interact with others, and move through public spaces, like Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA).
During Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Month — and every day — SEA is committed to creating a travel experience that is accessible for all. That’s why SEA has partnered with the Alzheimer’s Association to step up care for this growing population. Through staff training, ongoing presentations, outreach at Alzheimer’s community events, and future programs, SEA is working to ensure that every traveler can feel supported, safe, and seen.
"Through the SEA Access program, we aim to foster a welcoming, safe and comfortable experience for all. This certainly applies to travelers with Alzheimer’s and their loved ones. SEA is not the destination for travelers — but they need to feel confident navigating the airport to take that dream vacation, attend an important business meeting, or go to that family reunion,” said Chelsea Rodriguez, manager of the SEA Access and SEA Volunteer programs.“Conversations with caregivers have made clear that they too want to ensure their loved ones have these important experiences — especially in the early stages of Alzheimer’s."
Partnering for safer travel
As the population of people with dementia grows, the public is interfacing with it more and more and they are often not prepared for those challenges, said Lauren Carroll, King and Kitsap County Program Manager for the Alzheimer’s Association.
Partnering with public facing entities like SEA is essential. “We try to help staff understand what they may encounter and what they need to do to make sure that everyone ends up as safe as possible,” Carroll said.
Even caregivers can face challenges at the airport. A traveler with Alzheimer’s may seem fine when they are walking into an airport, but they could leave to go to the bathroom or explore the terminal, get confused, and wander off.
“That can be a lot harder to handle than with children because they may not be able to verbalize who they are or who they are with,” Carroll said. “And all of the stressors that are happening in an airport can really exacerbate any type of communication or behavior issue for someone with dementia.”
Frontline trainings
The Alzheimer’s Association has led several trainings for SEA frontline staff, including SEA volunteers, Pathfinder Customer Service agents, checkpoint staff, and TSA employees.
“We’re trying to educate that community of volunteers and staff on how to deal with these challenges should they encounter someone with dementia who is lost. We're really focusing on communication and behaviors. The important thing for them to learn is to make sure everyone's arriving safely where they need to be,” Carroll said.
She said working with frontline staff has been extremely helpful because she can see where there might be gaps or some overlap of programs and opportunities to explore how different entities can better work together to support these travelers.
Rodriguez said that frontline staff appreciates the practical advice they can immediately apply when helping customers.
"We want to empower our frontline staff to feel confident when serving all customers — including those with disabilities. Past trainings led by trainers with disabilities and experts in disability have solidified that these trainings are helpful and appreciated. Our staff appreciates hearing directly from experts who provide firsthand knowledge. The Alzheimer’s Association is no exception to this. Their trainings are rooted in practical advice — which empower our staff to confidently help travelers with Alzheimer’s and their caregivers,” Rodriguez said.
The Alzheimer’s Association also serves on SEA’s Accessibility Advisory Committee, which provides advice on how to improve accessibility for all travelers, and includes representatives from the disability community, airlines, and Port staff.
To support wider awareness of SEA amenities and resources, SEA also recently tabled at the Alzheimer’s Association’s Caregivers Summit. SEA staff had conversations with caregivers about their recent and future travel — while sharing resources that can make travel easier.
Tips for supporting travelers with Alzheimer’s at SEA
Whether you’re traveling with a loved one with Alzheimer’s or dementia or come across someone in need of help at the airport, here’s how you can make their experience safer and smoother.
How to support your travel companion with Alzheimer’s:
Stay together
Do not let your loved one with dementia go off alone, even to the restroom. Restrooms and airports have multiple exits, and confusion can lead to wandering.
If you do become separated from your loved one, connect with customer service staff dressed in green for assistance.
Use the Sunflower Lanyard program
Pick up a Sunflower Lanyard to discreetly signal that your loved one may need extra assistance or patience, available at the pre-security information desk between Checkpoint 4 and Checkpoint 5 and the post-security information desk in Concourse A (near gate A5). The Sunflower Lanyard includes a tag where an emergency contact can be listed.
Take advantage of the TSA Cares program
Register in advance for the TSA Cares program to receive personalized screening support and reduce stress at security checkpoints.
Schedule wheelchair assistance
Even if your loved one typically walks, the long distances at SEA can be overwhelming. If concerned about fatigue, prearrange wheelchair service with your airline.
Visit the Sensory Room
If your loved one is overwhelmed or overstimulated, SEA’s Sensory Room offers a quiet, calm space to regroup before your flight. The Sensory Room is located on the train level of the A gates SEA Underground station in the long hallway near the elevators. Use our interactive map for step-by-step directions.
Say hi to the SEA Pups
SEA has a growing team of animal therapy volunteers, also known as the SEA Pups, here to offer pets, cuddles, and hugs ― while helping calm traveler’s nerves. Pups and their human handlers are typically stationed at the Central Terminal or in the N Concourse.
Prepare in advance
Bring medications in your carry-on, keep emergency contacts and medical information accessible, and notify your airline of any special needs in advance.
How to help if you see someone in need:
Communicate simply
“It can be very hard to get answers from people with dementia because they may not understand where they are. They might not understand where they're going or who they are with,” Carroll said.
If you encounter someone with Alzheimer’s or dementia who needs help:
- Speak calmly and clearly
- Be patient; it may take time to process information
- Use short, simple questions (“Did you come here with someone?” instead of “Where are you traveling?”). You can ask them to describe the person that they were with, but they may or may not be able to answer
- Some people may be nonverbal. Observe body language and the environment where they were found if separated, or write something for them to read
Guide safely
If you need to guide someone physically, gently hold their elbow rather than their hand or wrist. This encourages trust while preventing injury.
Be cautious with drinks
Many people with dementia have swallowing difficulties, and thicker liquids (milk, juice) may be safer than water. Don’t offer a drink unless they ask or say they are thirsty.
Travel can be stressful, but it should remain accessible and dignified for everyone. SEA is committed to supporting travelers with dementia and their caregivers, ensuring that every traveler feels welcome at the airport.
Learn more about traveling with invisible disabilities at SEA
