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Listen to a powerful and thought-provoking event that begins with the premiere of “Shifting the Narrative: The Story of Lorenzo’s House,” a new short film highlighting the transformative work of Lorenzo’s House—a nonprofit dedicated to supporting families navigating younger onset dementia.

Following the screening, a panel of dynamic voices will share lived experiences, challenge outdated perceptions, and explore innovative approaches to care.

Panelists include:

  • Patti LaFleur, care advocate and team member at Lorenzo’s House, who supported her mother through a younger onset dementia journey.

  • Francesca Falzarano, Ph.D., a researcher whose work centers on family caregiving, dementia, and health equity.

  • Luis Cordero, a passionate advocate who cared for his mother and grandmother, both diagnosed with cognitive changes, and now speaks out to raise awareness and support others.

Together, we discuss:

  • The personal realities and emotional complexity of younger onset dementia.

  • How to challenge stigma and reshape public understanding.

  • Why dementia care must evolve to include younger voices, family dynamics, and safer, more inclusive environments.

This is more than a panel—it’s a movement to change the way we see dementia.

Let’s shift the narrative. Together.

Enter your information below to access the replay for this important conversation.

Event Participants

Patti LaFleur, Lorenzo’s House Programs Lead

Patti is the former carepartner to her mom, Linda, who had younger-onset dementia – and a former elementary educator of over 10 years. Patti designs and leads our programs with intentionality, knowledge and love. Patti has a Masters Degree in Instructional Leadership and is a Certified Dementia Practitioner, who has spent countless hours volunteering with people living with neurocognitive disorders, and as a community educator for the Alzheimer’s Association.

Francesca B. Falzarano, PhD

Francesca B. Falzarano, PhD, is an Assistant Professor of Gerontology and Director of the Falzarano Family Caregiving Lab (FFCL) at the University of Southern California’s Leonard Davis School of Gerontology. A developmental psychologist, she leads a federally funded program of research that is advocacy-driven and shaped by the voices of families impacted by dementia. Motivated by her own experiences as a youth caregiver, Dr. Falzarano’s work aims to understand the evolving needs of family caregivers across the dementia journey—from diagnosis to bereavement—and to design and test innovative digital solutions that advance caregiver mental health and well-being.

Luis Cordero

Luis Cordero’s caregiving journey began at age five, supporting his late mother and later his late grandmother—both diagnosed with cognitive changes. Driven by his lived experience, he became a 2022 Watson Fellow with a project titled Foregrounding Dignity & Kindness in Care Facilities, exploring global models of care and the narrative of aging across ten countries. His travels deepened his cultural understanding and commitment to reimagining care systems centered on dignity and community. Today, Luis continues his advocacy as a volunteer Ombudsman, working to better understand how existing systems can be improved to support older adults and their caregivers.