Dementia presents significant challenges for individuals, families, and caregivers, yet stigma and cultural misunderstanding can further limit access to diagnosis, care, and support. Within African immigrant and African diaspora communities, misconceptions about dementia may delay care seeking and contribute to isolation for both individuals living with dementia and their caregivers.
In this HUP webinar, Dr. Manka Nkimbeng will discuss key considerations in developing dementia care awareness within African diaspora communities. Drawing on her experience as both a clinician and researcher, she will explore common stigmas surrounding dementia, the lived challenges faced by patients and caregivers, and culturally responsive approaches to improving care and support. The presentation will also highlight the importance of working directly with individuals and families to identify practical, community-centered solutions.
This webinar will be of interest to health care providers, public health professionals, community leaders, researchers, caregivers, and others working to advance equitable dementia care.
Presenter Bio
Dr. Manka Nkimbeng is a Nurse Scientist and a faculty member at the University of Minnesota. She holds a Ph.D. in nursing from the Johns Hopkins School of Nursing, an MPH from Boston University School of Public Health, and a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from the University of Massachusetts Amherst. Over the past 5 years, Dr. Nkimbeng has worked with African and Black immigrant communities to develop culturally appropriate dementia education and outreach programs. In partnership with communities, she develops and tests culturally relevant interventions that can be translated into health policies and clinical practice to improve health and reduce health disparities among older adults.