Dr. Francesca B. Falzarano is an Assistant Professor at the University of Southern California’s Leonard Davis School of Gerontology and Director of the Falzarano Family Caregiving Lab. She is a behavioral scientist whose work is grounded in both research and lived experience. At age 14, Francesca’s mother, Angelina, was diagnosed with younger-onset dementia, later confirmed as Alzheimer’s disease. That experience shaped Francesca’s life, family, and professional purpose, inspiring her commitment to ensuring that no family navigating dementia feels unsupported or alone.

As a researcher, educator, and advocate, Dr. Falzarano leads federally funded work focused on dementia family caregiving, caregiver stress and resilience, unmet needs, grief, and technology-enabled solutions to improve access to care and support the well-being of the entire family.

As a member of 100 Women of Impact, Dr. Falzarano brings a deeply personal and professional commitment to advancing brain health, compassionate care, and meaningful systems change. Her work reflects the movement’s call to strengthen minds, empower lives, and ensure that individuals, families, and communities affected by dementia have the knowledge, tools, and support they need to live well.