My Life with Dementia: Three People's Journey 

Three people diagnosed with different forms of dementia will share their diagnosis experiences, information about their particular type of dementia, and dementia advocacy work and education efforts. Types of dementia include Alzheimer's disease, Binswanger dementia, and Lewy body dementia. Panel members will discuss how dementia has changed their lives and adjustments made in order to live their best lives.

Presenters: 

The Rev. Dr. Cynthia Huling Hummel, BS, MDiv, DMin of Owego, New York is a Presbyterian pastor, a singer in a band, an artist and an author who loves to swim, kayak, and travel. She especially loves being an "Oma" to her three grandchildren. Cynthia is passionate about Alzheimer's research and has participated in several Alzheimer's research studies since 2010. Cynthia was appointed by the Secretary of Health and Human Services to serve on that National Advisory Council on Aging (NACA) representing the voice of those living with dementia. She has served on two different advisory boards for the National Academies of Science, Engineering and Medicine. She currently serves as an advisor to several national research committees. In 2020, Cynthia received the NY State Governor's Award for her Exemplary Service. Her advice to those who have been recently diagnosed with dementia: "Don't focus on what you can no longer do, but how you can still make a difference." 

Don Kent was born and raised in Tyler, Texas. After graduating from High School in May 1970, he attended Baylor University, graduating with a B.A. in Political Science. He attended law school at the University of Houston Law School and graduated in August 1976. He spent the majority of his legal career defending doctors, nurses, hospitals and other health care professionals in medical malpractice cases, trying over 100 cases to jury verdicts, including one televised nationally on Court TV. He has been married to his wife, Cynthia, for 48 years. They are the parents of three sons and are grandparents of 7 wonderful grandchildren. Don was diagnosed with Lewy Body Dementia at the Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota in March 2017.

Jim McLarty has a BSN from West Texas A&M University and an MS in Healthcare Administration from Texas State University. He has hospital work experience that included a clinical focus on cardiac care. He also has progressive hospital management expereince, including as a chief nursing officer. He has consulting experience that included a focus on improved financial performance, operational or clinical process improvement, and management development. He also served as interim chief nursing officer in multiple hospitals to provide stabilization of leadership, management training, and selection and grooming of permanently selected candidates. He has consulted on both national and international projects. He has also published articles in Healthcare Finance Magazine on nursing middle management and patient flow. Jim and his wife, Nancy, have been married for 46 years. They reside in Northlake, TX and have two adult children, and one grandson.

Intended Audience: 

This presentation is appropriate for people living with dementia, professionals, volunteers, and care partners of people living with dementia. 

 Registration Fee

• OGA members: Free!
• Non-members: $10
• Non-member students/seniors and registrants with limited financial means: $5

Why do we ask for a fee?

OGA is a non-profit organization run by volunteers. Events and donations are our main sources of income to fund our educational and networking programs.

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Please note that we offer CEUs only for our annual conference in October, not for our regular events. However, we are happy to issue a Certificate of Attendance upon request for those who attend this webinar for its entire length. To request one, please send us an email after the event.

PLEASE REGISTER HERE to receive the Zoom link. Should you encounter any difficulties registering online, please don't hesitate to contact us at [email protected]. Please note that this webinar will not be recorded.