Posted by Stacy Plemmons
According to the Mayo Clinic, dementia isn't a specific disease, but instead, describes a group of symptoms affecting memory, thinking and social abilities severely enough to interfere with daily functioning.  This week retired clinical psychologist Ross Lane introduces Cyndy Luzinski, an advanced practice nurse and dementia practitioner to share her own experience as a catalyst for building and sustaining "Dementia-Friendly Communities of Northern Colorado."
 
 
Cyndy's interest in dementia care escalated when her own dad developed dementia symptoms. This led her to discovering the Contented Dementia approach, a simple method which makes remarkable differences in the lives of those who use it.  Cyndy’s Dementia-Friendly Community initiative is now 21 months old.  
 
Cyndy Luzinski, MS, RN, CDP completed her undergraduate nursing degree at St. Olaf College in Northfield, MN, and her graduate nursing degree at University of Wisconsin in Madison.  Along with another advanced practice nurse and social worker, she developed and implemented what is still now, 20 years later, the UC Health Community Case Management program.
 
Cyndy and husband Craig Luzinski have 4 children (step-daughter, step-son, 2 daughters) and 4 grandchildren. Cyndy was recently designated one of the "Northern Colorado Superwomen" by the Coloradoan Mind and Body magazine.