Creating a Dementia Friendly Community
According to the Alzheimer’s Association, nearly 102,000 Minnesotans are living with Alzheimer’s diseases and related dementias and another 166,000 Minnesotans are providing support as care partners. We believe more needs to be done to support people impacted by Alzheimer’s and related dementias and invite others to join us in our efforts to create a community that is informed, engaging, safe and respectful.
Discover your impact in advancing brain health.
Tuesday, October 20, 2026 • 8am-4pm • Mayo Clinic Health System Event Center, Mankato MN
Hear from experts about the latest findings in dementia research. Learn about clinical trials and observational studies. Discover how you can make a difference.
LEARN MORE
TimeSlips Storytelling Sessions
Storytelling is a gift enjoyed by people in all stages of life! TimeSlips storytelling sessions provide an opportunity for participants to imagine and create new stories. Sessions are specially designed to be an experience that people living with Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias may share with a family member or friend.
Email katoactonalz@gmail.com to learn more or schedule a session.
Rhythmic Times Pop-Ups
Rhythmic Times is popping up around community and will feature music that connects to the place.
Led by Kristin Ziemke, Music Director of Singing Hills Chorus!
Email katoactonalz@gmail.com to get notified of upcoming dates and locations.
Education
Education is key to raising awareness and supporting people impacted by Alzheimer’s. Our Action Team provides the following sessions at no charge.
Dementia Friends Minnesota
Dementia Friends is a global movement that is changing the way people think, act, and talk about dementia. By helping everyone in a community understand what dementia is and how it affects people, each of us can make a difference for people touched by dementia.
Consider hosting a free session for your family, neighbors, friends, small group or book club!
What is a Dementia Friend?
To become a Dementia Friend, you participate in a one-hour Dementia Friends Information Session presented by a Dementia Friends Champion. You will learn five key messages about dementia and a bit about what it’s like to live with dementia. As a Dementia Friend, you turn your new understanding of dementia into a practical action that can help someone living in your community. Your action can be big or small – because every action counts!
Dementia Friendly @ Work
The ACT on Alzheimer’s Dementia Friendly @ Work training is a one hour educational session for staff of business and service organizations, as well as other community settings. The training focuses on understanding dementia, communication tips and taking action to create an environment that is safe, respectful, and welcoming for people living with dementia.
We are also available to help arrange additional community education from the Alzheimer’s Association.
Complete the contact form to learn more or schedule a session.
Resources
A Resource Guide for Alzheimer’s Disease & Related Dementias
The guide provides a comprehensive overview and contact information for local and statewide resources, such as transportation, support groups, meal services and long-term care providers.
Recommended Reading
The Action Team recommends the following books. The books are available at the Blue Earth County Library and the North Mankato Taylor Library.
For additional information, visit the Alzheimer’s Association. Please note that the Alzheimer’s Association has a 24/7 HELPLINE, call 800-272-3900.
Minnesota Aging Pathways is a free service of the state of Minnesota and will connect you to a local aging expert. Call 800-333-2433 for more information.
Singing Hills Chorus
Singing Hills Chorus is a long-time member of the Giving Voice Network. The chorus is especially created for persons living with Alzheimer’s or related dementia and their care partners. We offer a fall and spring session and wrap up each session with a joyful concert. Summer SingAlongs are held monthly from June through August.
About the Mankato & North Mankato ACT on Alzheimer’s Action Team
Mankato and North Mankato became an ACT on Alzheimer’s community in 2014 and is led by a group of volunteers that make up the Action Team. We are one of over 40 ACT on Alzheimer’s dementia-friendly communities in Minnesota.
As a statewide collaboration, ACT on Alzheimer’s fosters collective ownership and accountability in preparing Minnesota for the personal, social and budgetary impacts of Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias. No single organization owns, finances or controls the statewide initiative.
Get Involved
Interested parties are welcome to join the team at any time. Bring your ideas and help implement our various initiatives.
Sandi Lubrant, Program Director
katoactonalz@yahoo.com
Partnership Highlight
Minnesota State University, Mankato College of Allied Health & Nursing
This valuable partnership engages both students and faculty in real-world learning with an impact on families and the community. They engage students by integrating Alzheimer’s and dementia education and community-based experiences throughout their programs.
ACT on Alzheimer’s
www.actonalz.org
Support Us
Help Support Mankato & North Mankato ACT on Alzheimer’s
Support the local Mankato & North Mankato ACT on Alzheimer’s initiative and help make Mankato & North Mankato a dementia friendly community.