From Dane County to Milwaukee County
Working together to expand culturally responsive dementia education and build healthier, more connected communities across Wisconsin.
Community Education & Awareness Event
Join community partners for a meaningful Milwaukee event focused on dementia awareness, early warning signs, caregiver support, and local resources for Hmong families and the broader community.
Event Highlights
Designed for families, caregivers, seniors, healthcare workers, service providers, and community leaders.
- 🧠 Dementia Education
- ❤️ Caregiver Support
- 🎬 Hmong Film
- 🤝 Local Resources
- 🌏 Hmong Language Resources
- ❓ Community Q&A
Agenda
Meet Our Featured Author
Joining us in Milwaukee for the October 29 Community Education & Awareness Event
Dr. Linda Gerdner
Ethnogeriatric Specialist · Author · Dementia Care Researcher
Stanford Geriatric Education Center
We are honored to welcome Dr. Linda Gerdner to Milwaukee for our October 29 Community Education & Awareness Event. Dr. Gerdner is nationally recognized for her work in dementia care, ethnogeriatrics, culturally responsive aging, caregiver support, and Hmong American health and wellness.
Her work has helped advance understanding of how culture, family traditions, storytelling, and community can shape the experience of dementia and caregiving — creating bridges between generations and between healthcare systems and the communities they serve.
Working Together for a More Dementia-Friendly Community
This initiative is made possible through collaboration among public service, aging, health, community, and nonprofit partners.
Aging & Disability Resource Center of Milwaukee County
Local resource connection for older adults, people with disabilities, caregivers, and families.
Alzheimer's Association Wisconsin Chapter
Dementia education, caregiver support, care consultation, and 24/7 helpline resources.
Wisconsin Chinese Chamber of Commerce
Community convener supporting outreach, education, and culturally responsive programming.
Hmong Nurses Association Wisconsin Chapter
Empowering Hmong nurses and advancing culturally responsive healthcare in Wisconsin communities.
AARP Wisconsin
Advocating for older adults and caregivers across Wisconsin through education, resources, and community support.
My Mother “Kuv Nam”: A Hmong Story on Dementia
This Hmong dementia film helps families begin natural conversations about memory loss, aging, caregiving, and dementia.
Awareness Helps Families Take Action Earlier
Dementia describes changes in memory, thinking, communication, and reasoning that interfere with daily life. It is caused by disease in the brain and is not a normal part of aging.
Common Signs
- Memory loss affecting daily life
- Difficulty completing familiar tasks
- Confusion about time or place
- New problems with words
- Mood or personality changes
Other Causes of Memory Loss
- Depression
- Medication side effects
- Infections
- Hearing or vision problems
- Sleep problems or poor nutrition
Why Early Diagnosis Matters
- Get an accurate diagnosis
- Access support sooner
- Understand the disease
- Plan for care and lifestyle changes
- Improve quality of life
Remember SLOWER
Small changes in how we communicate can make conversations safer, calmer, and more respectful for someone living with dementia.
Connect with Trusted Milwaukee Resources
Families and caregivers do not have to navigate dementia alone. These local and statewide resources can help.
ADRC of Milwaukee County
The local resource for older adults, individuals with disabilities, caregivers, and families.
Milwaukee Community Crossroads
Community-based support for healthy aging, wellness, and family connection.
Alzheimer's Association Wisconsin Chapter
Education, caregiver support, care consultation, and a 24/7 helpline.
Bilingual Hmong Dementia Education Materials
Add your uploaded PDF links to these buttons after publishing the files on your website.
Building a Dementia Friendly Hmong Community
Awareness flyer with film information and community education messaging.
Dementia Friendly Communication Guide
Practical communication tips for supporting someone living with dementia.
Memory Changes & Early Warning Signs
Education on symptoms, possible causes, and the benefits of seeing a doctor.
Educational Resources & Special Thanks
We gratefully acknowledge the Aging & Disability Resource Center (ADRC) of Dane County and Nyob Zoo TV for developing the Hmong dementia educational materials and producing the award-winning film “My Mother (Kuv Nam): A Hmong Story on Dementia.”
Their leadership in creating culturally and linguistically appropriate dementia education has helped communities across Wisconsin increase awareness, reduce stigma, and encourage early conversations about dementia.
This initiative is presented through the collaboration of the Milwaukee County Department of Health & Human Services – Aging & Disabilities Services, the Aging & Disability Resource Center (ADRC) of Milwaukee County, Milwaukee Community Crossroads (MCC), the Alzheimer's Association Wisconsin Chapter, and the Wisconsin Chinese Chamber of Commerce (WCCC) to expand dementia awareness and support Hmong families throughout Milwaukee County and beyond.
Together, We Can Build a Dementia Friendly Community
Join us on October 29 in Milwaukee to learn, connect, support caregivers, and help create a healthier future for Hmong families and communities across Wisconsin.