Untangling Life with a Husband's Mild Cognitive Impairment with Gincy Heins
Gincy Heins became caregiver to her husband at the age of 49 when he was diagnosed with Mild Cognitive Impairment, also known as MCI, a neurological condition that causes a slight but noticeable and measurable decline in cognitive abilities. Memory and thinking skills are primarily affected, and there is a very real possibility of future Alzheimer’s or other dementia. At the time, he was just 55.
At first disbelieving that such a diagnosis could befall them so early in life, Gincy set out to learn all she could about the condition and sought support through her local Alzheimer’s Association. She soon became the expert on her husband’s diagnosis and began advocacy work to help others on the dementia journey. This included creating and publishing the book “Before the Diagnosis: Stories of Life and Love Before Dementia” and becoming one of the co-authors of the series “365 Caregiving Tips: Practical Tips from Everyday Caregivers.” She is also an AlzAuthors Associate, volunteering her time and skills as an acquisitions editor and producer of helpful, hopeful videos for caregivers.
In addition, Gincy is an advocate for a full, enriched life and keeps busy with a variety of activities and interests. She teaches classes for older adults at a community college, is a Senior Commissioner for Cypress, CA, speaks at conferences and on panel discussions, and volunteers at her public library and with Alzheimer’s Orange County.
Gincy is a vibrant, uplifting speaker with a hopeful message and a smart approach to life with cognitive difficulties. In this episode we discuss how she and her husband grew to accept a diagnosis that typically affects older people, and the power of positivity and active engagement in the face of MCI.
Purchase “Before the Diagnosis: Stories of Life and Love Before Dementia” https://amzn.to/3oBAaTy
Purchase “365 Caregiving Tips: Practical Tips from Everyday Caregivers”
Read Gincy’s post on AlzAuthors: https://alzauthors.com/2019/01/23/meet-gincy-heins-editor-of-before-the-diagnosis/
Follow Gincy on social media:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gincyheins/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/GincyHeins
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/gj.heins
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