Navigating Younger Onset Dementia: Insights from Youth Advocate Olivia & Patti from Lorenzo's House

This episode focuses on the important work of Lorenzo's House, an organization that empowers youth and families affected by younger onset dementia. We are joined by Olivia Compton, a 15-year-old youth leader at Lorenzo's House, and Patti LeFleur, who designs and leads the organization's youth programming.

Olivia shares her journey, explaining how she found support and community through Lorenzo's House after her father was diagnosed with Lewy Body Dementia. She describes the transformative impact of the organization's "light club" groups, which provide a safe space for young people to connect, share experiences, and learn mindfulness techniques. Patti elaborates on Lorenzo's House's three core programs - the match, clubs, and youth summit - all aim to combat isolation, build alliances, and drive dementia justice. The discussion highlights the organization's commitment to centering youth voices and experiences and empowering young caregivers to advocate for change.

Olivia's wisdom and resilience shine through as she offers advice to other youth navigating the challenges of having a parent with dementia. The episode underscores the critical need to support caregiving youth, who often face stigma and struggle to find resources tailored to their unique experiences. Lorenzo's House emerges as a beacon of hope, providing essential services and fostering a growing community of young advocates determined to make a difference.

About:

Olivia:
Olivia is 15 years old and in the 9th grade. Her father developed Lewy Body Dementia 6 years ago, and was looking for a community who understood. Olivia is a member of our Teen Light Club and was a Youth Lead at the 2023 and 2024 Youth Summit. She uses her beautiful voice to lead mindfulness breathing techniques, shares her story openly and welcomes others to our Lorenzo’s House family through playdates. Olivia plays the piano, cello, and sings in the choir. In her free time she loves to play video games, read books, do crafts, and watch anime. She also likes to do tennis, running, learn Chinese, do creative writing, and sometimes do math, but only if there are no tests.


Olivia likes being a Lorenzo’s House Youth Lead because she wants to help other kids who are experiencing the same hardships as she is and making the best of it. She also wants to make sure that other youth have methods and strategies for things they can do to help themselves and their parents. Olivia also loves all of the connections and new friends she has made at Lorenzo's House.


Patti:
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 youth programming with intentionality, knowledge and love. Her capacity to connect with family members through lived experience and profound generosity of spirit sets the tone for how Lorenzo’s House shows up for families. Patti has a Masters Degree in Instructional Leadership and is a Certified Dementia Practitioner, has spent countless hours volunteering with people living with neurocognitive disorders, and as a community educator for the Alzheimer’s Association.

Social Media:
Website: https://lorenzoshouse.org/
Facebook:   / lorenzoshouseofficial  
Instagram:   / lorenzos_house  
Linked In:   / lorenzos-house  
Twitter: https://x.com/i/flow/login?redirect_a...
YouTube:    / @lorenzoshouse