This Dementia Life

Mark Timmons shares how photography helps him calm his dementia symptoms and has become an important part of his dementia advocacy.

Connected Horse offers opportunities and understanding of human-animal connections for people living with early stage dementia and their care partners. Hear from Nancy and Paula, two of the organization's Co-Founders, about the insights gained from their equine workshops that are helping ALL people better process life with a dementia diagnosis.

In this conversation with host Chuck McClatchey, Gincy Heins shares her own personal story about her husband's diagnosis of Mild Cognitive Impairment, an experience that has informed Gincy's writing and co-writing of resources for those with a similar story.

Steve Heins dedicated a long career to working as a mechanical engineer for the Walt Disney Company. In his mid-50s, Steve was diagnosed with mild cognitive impairment. Along with host Chuck McClatchey, Steve shares his story - highlighting the importance of accountability, family support, and his desire to keep learning. To Steve, a diagnosis does not represent the end of the road, but just a BEND in the road, opening up unforeseen opportunities for a new stage in his life.

Stephen Post, PhD joins host Chuck McClatchey to share highlights of his new book "Dignity for Deeply Forgetful People: How Caregivers Can Meet the Challenges of Alzheimer's Disease", with a primary focus on the concept of HOPE in re-writing negative narratives around dementia. Rather than lamenting a loss of independence, Dr. Post reminds us that the "human condition is one of dependence", and as a result, dementia can actually teach us how to be HUMAN.

Gary Joseph LeBlanc began his journey as his father’s primary caregiver when he was just a little boy. His expertise in Alzheimer’s grew during the two decades he assisted his father. Then his expertise in vascular dementia grew as he cared for his mother with vascular dementia. Gary became an incredible educator & advocate in the U.S. and worldwide. He has created educational programs for police departments, fire departments, online support groups for those living with dementia, and in 2018 he joined Dementia Spotlight Foundation, where he currently serves as Educational Director.

Beth Soltzberg, MSW, MBA, is passionate about inclusion of diverse cultures; she recognizes the differences about caregiving in those communities, the importance of “being trustworthy” and getting appropriate resources for caregivers. Beth encourages Families to “Be there for each other and help the person living with dementia do what he/she still wants to do. Problem solve together and include humor and laughter.” Beth Soltzberg is Director, Alzheimer’s /Related Disorders Family Support Programs at Jewish Family & Children’s Service in Waltham, MA.; and Chair of the Percolator Memory Café Network.

Chuck McClatchey hosts an insightful and inspiring conversation with Mary Fridley, Director of Special Projects, East Side Institute and Coordinator of “Reimagining Dementia: A Creative Coalition for Social Justice”, which currently has over 600 members from 27 countries. As Mary suggests: “We don’t make caring demands for people with dementia. People can grow at any age. We have to enable full expression to our humanity. We can do it much better!”

Rev. Dr. Cynthia Huling Hummel describes her twenty-five year journey of “Living a Life of Joy & Service” as a Pastor and becoming a tireless advocate for the Alzheimer’s Association and for DAA. Cynthia has recently taken her 40th class at Elmira College: including French, Making Masks and Collages, and Painting. She also shares details of her diagnosis story with us: “I’m the same person after being diagnosed as before; I just had to find new ways to stay connected to make a difference." Find out more about Cynthia's book Unmasking Alzheimer's here: https://www.amazon.com/UnMasking-Alzheimers-Memories-Behind-Masks/dp/1387202189/

Episode 33 of This Dementia Life features Bonnie Erickson, a wonderful friend and dementia advocate. Bonnie describes her journey of “Living Life Her Way” from a diagnosis of mild cognitive impairment to vascular dementia. She is adamant that “We have to burst the stigma: doctors & medical students need to learn to say “Go Live Your Life”! Bonnie encourages others to “Find Your Place in the World to Live a Fulfilling Life!"