Cynthia Huling Hummel Untangles the Memories Behind the Masks
- S2021E45
- 48:05
- November 29th 2021
The Rev. Dr. Cynthia Huling Hummel is an Alzheimer's artist, author, and advocate. She is the author of "UnMasking Alzheimer's: The Memories Behind the Mask,” a collection of photos of the 36 masks she created as a participant in an arts program called "Art Reflects" for those living with memory loss and their care partners. Cynthia says she started with one mask and couldn't stop! Each one reveals a story that speaks to her experience of living with early onset Alzheimer’s. She hopes that her mask collection will travel around the country and provide a better understanding of the challenges of living with a cognitive disorder. She also hopes that it will reduce the stigma of a dementia diagnosis and serve as a catalyst for opening discussions about the condition.
Cynthia was diagnosed with Mild Cognitive Impairment in 2011. This changed to clinical Alzheimer's in 2016. She does not let her diagnosis stop her. In fact, she does everything she can to raise awareness and funds for research and support services for those living with memory conditions. She’s enrolled in several clinical trials and urges everyone to learn more at Trialmatch.alz.org. She loves public speaking and has given more than 50 talks to community groups. A former pastor, she especially enjoys speaking to faith communities on how to be more dementia friendly.
In this episode, we discuss how life doesn’t stop after an Alzheimer’s diagnosis, her new ministry as an advocate for those living with dementia, and her exhaustive schedule of activities, filled with the arts, education, and many surprising adventures.
Read Cynthia’s AlzAuthors Post: https://alzauthors.com/2019/09/03/cynthia-huling-unmasking-alzheimers/
Start reading UnMasking Alzheimer’s: The Memories Behind the Masks now!
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Connect with Cynthia:
View Cynthia’s YouTube message about COVID-19
About the Podcast
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AlzAuthors: Untangling Alzheimer's & Dementia
Welcome to the AlzAuthors podcast! We’re so glad you found us. We are the global community of authors writing about Alzheimer's and dementia from personal experience to light the way for others. Join us each week as one of our authors shares their dementia journey, revealing intimate details and painfully obtained knowledge to help others currently on this path. We hope our stories offer comfort and support as we strive to break the silence and stigma surrounding a dementia diagnosis. May one of our authors speak to your experience. For more info please visit https://alzauthors.com.
Ideas and opinions expressed in this podcast belong to the speakers and not AlzAuthors. Always consult your healthcare provider and legal and financial consultants for advice on any of the topics covered here.
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Marianne Sciucco is a registered nurse, dementia daughter, and author of the novel Blue Hydrangeas, an Alzheimer’s love story, based on a couple she met through her work. It is a testament to the power of love in the face of this heart-wrenching disease. Marianne cared for hundreds of dementia patients over a 20+-year nursing career. She provided care to her stepfather during his dementia journey, and witnessed the painful decline of four beloved aunts to the disease. She's a founding member of AlzAuthors, sits on the Board, and is a director and manager. She can talk about AlzAuthors all day.
Christy Byrne Yates is a Licensed Educational Psychologist (LEP), retired school psychologist, author, speaker and coach/consultant. Her book, Building a Legacy of Love: Thriving in the Sandwich Generation recounts her journey as a working mother of two who also managed the care of her parents, both of whom had some form of dementia. Combining her lived experience with her professional expertise in human development, wellness and a strengths based approach to finding solutions, Christy develops content, workshops and coaching to support Sandwiched families. She incorporates meditation, mindfulness and other evidence based mind/body practices into her work. She’s worked with care communities, financial professionals, estate planners and employers. Christy has a master’s degree in counseling psychology, and graduate credentials in both education and school psychology.
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AlzAuthors is a 501(c)(3) charitable organization totally reliant on donations to do what we do. The podcast is one way we provide knowledge, comfort, and support to busy caregivers desperate for information. Your generosity will help us to continue our mission to lift the silence and stigma that often accompanies a dementia diagnosis. Please consider making a donation. Thank you.