Shifting the Narrative, Bringing Light to Younger-Onset Dementia

Younger-onset dementia is often unseen and misunderstood. Yet it impacts people in their 30’s to mid-60’s globally. Nearly 4 million people worldwide are living with younger-onset dementia. However, when you multiply that by a family of 4, that's almost 16 million people that are navigating this diagnosis and this doesn't include those undiagnosed, misdiagnosed or whose loved ones have passed. 

There are new narratives of hope with younger-onset dementia through innovative practices, human-centered connection, and leveraged networks. Join on Thursday, September 18, 2025 at 8:00 A.M. Pacific / 10:00 A.M. Central / 4:00 P.M. GMT+1 for a one-hour webinar led by Atlantic Fellow for Equity in Brain Health Walt Dawson and hosted by the Global Brain Health Institute (GBHI) in collaboration with Lorenzo’s House. During the webinar:

• Deepen understanding of younger-onset dementia
• Learn about the mission and programs of Lorenzo’s House
• Hear from Atlantic Fellows leading youth-focused and family-centered initiatives
• Explore ways to build local and global partnerships that empower families affected by younger-onset dementia

This webinar explores experiences with younger-onset dementia and highlights strategies to move from isolation to connection, stigma to strength and darkness to light. There will be a deep dive from the perspective of a dynamic community-based organization. 

Speakers: 

• Diana Cose, Founding Executive Director, Lorenzo’s House
• Walter Dawson, Health Policy Researcher – Assistant Professor of Neurology, School of Medicine and School of Public Health, Oregon Health and Science University; Co-Director, Oregon Center of Excellence for Behavioral Health & Aging, Portland State University; Atlantic Fellow for Equity in Brain Health; Lorenzo’s House IMSA Board Member
• Will Dean, Young Onset Dementia and Young Carers Advocate and Producer; Atlantic Fellow for Equity in Brain Health
• Magda Kaczmarska, Dance Artist – Founding Executive Director, DanceStream Projects; Atlantic Fellow for Equity in Brain Health
• Patti LaFleur, Programs Lead, Lorenzo’s House
• Grania Mckittrick, Outreach & Development Lead, Lorenzo’s House
• Ula Skrobas, Neurologist – Clinician, Medical University of Gdansk; Atlantic Fellow for Equity in Brain Health
• Chi Udeh-Momoh, Translational Neuroscientist – Associate Professor of Epidemiology and Prevention and Associate Professor in Gerontology and Geriatric Medicine, Wake Forest University School of Medicine; Co-Director of the Imarisha Centre for Brain Health and Aging and Lead of the Genomics and Biomarker Core at the Brain and Mind Institute, Aga Khan University (Nairobi, Kenya); Atlantic Fellow for Equity in Brain Health

We are delighted to share this learning opportunity during World Alzheimer’s Month in September and marking 10 years of the Atlantic Fellows for Equity in Brain Health Fellowship program at the GBHI. We look forward to seeing you!