About Us

A Different Mindset Association consists of individuals who have lost someone to dementia/Alzheimer’s; have someone currently dealing with this disease; or works in a profession that assists individuals suffering with dementia/Alzheimer’s. As diagnoses of this disease increases, we believe there is a need to network with resources in the Ellis County, KS area to promote awareness and educate the public about dementia/Alzheimer’s.

Additionally, we are working to provide support for those caring for a loved one with dementia/Alzheimer’s as well as developing activities for those suffering with dementia/Alzheimer’s.

We are a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization.

Our Stories

Share your story with us at Contact Us.

“I support A Different Mindset Association”

“I support A Different Mindset Association, Alzheimer’s Association and the Walk to End Alzheimer’s to help raise awareness of the effects of Alzheimer’s disease. So many of the families that my office and I work with are affected by this terrible disease. Not only is it devastating to the person who has Alzheimer’s, it is perhaps even more devastating to those who are trying to care for that person. That’s reason enough to support these organizations. ” – Randy Clinkscales, Clinkscales Elder Law Practice

“It took me time to accept help from others”

“2006 was a life changing year for our family. My wife, 52, the heart and soul of our family, was having difficulty remembering. Both our sons were married and we had just been blessed with our first grandchild. Yet we felt something was wrong and no one could definitely say what it was. That is until we made 3 trips to Rochester Minnesota for tests at the Mayo Clinic. There is where we as a family realized she had, a disease with NO cure, early on-set Alzheimer’s.
Being in our early 50’s we knew we could defeat this disease and be the first survivor of Alzheimer’s. We changed our diet, exercised more and worked on all kinds of memory exercises. The harder we worked, the faster it progressed. We trusted the medical experts and tried all the latest discoveries in medications to no avail. Within 4 years I had to retire to stay home and care for her fulltime. She could no longer care for herself. At this time I started to pray for God’s will as opposed to a miracle of complete recovery. Soon after retiring I was blessed with the gift of a caring group of supportive relatives and friends. It took me time to accept help from others until I was told that this was a way for people to feel like they were helping and I should allow them to do it. Every week a member of this group came to our home and sat with her so I could get errands run. I’ve always referred to them as her angels. Unfortunately the next four years flew by. By now she was just a shell of her previous self. She slept most of the day and could no longer communicate. February 23, 2016 was the day of release. While holding her in my arms the good Lord took her to her place in heaven. She was 61. We fought the fight but lost the battle.” – Jerry S.

“Make time for those who can’t remember”

“When most people hear that a loved one has Alzheimer’s, the diagnosis and disease becomes the focal point in their lives and for their families, too. How will we care for her? Will she remember us? We can’t forget the person they were or are and worry only about who they will become. Our journey with mom lasted a little over two years. We gave her a gift – she was able to live at home. She gave us a gift – she remembered our names. The path was hard and messy and happy and a blessing. We got time with her that we may not have taken in any other situation. We watched her fade with broken hearts. But above all else, we fought our best fight and know she loved us for it. She’s our angel now and we miss her so. Make time for those who can’t remember…give them you! You won’t ever regret it!” – Sue H.

“These types of programs are needed all across our country”

“My father was diagnosed with Pick’s Disease in 1991 at the age of 56. Pick’s disease is a type of dementia which affects the frontotemporal part of the brain. The patient will typically have changes in behavior and language. The early signs though were seen by my mother, many years before diagnosis. I was young, only a in high school when I noticed dad changing and had no idea what was in store for my parents in the next few years. Dad retired early from the oil field work he had done his whole life. Mom tried her best to keep dad at home but caring for him became very difficult and stressful, yet she was always his advocate. Her health suffered due to the burden of caregiving. Dad’s behavior changed and he would do things very out of character for his personality. Mom did her best to keep his brain active by taking him places and offering activities that stimulated his brain. My mother was also very active in the Alzheimer’s Association and led support group meetings for several years. Dad suffered from the disease for over 15 years before he became speechless and had difficulty remembering how to eat, which eventually led to his death. I support A Different Mindset Association because the group support they offer is necessary for the caregivers. The day program and bus trips are opportunities for the person affected by the dementia to stay active and engaged and will increase their quality of life as well as allow the caregiver some respite. These types of programs are needed all across our country as the dementia rates continue to rise.” – Monique K.

“You lose your loved one twice”

“In July of 2000, my sister, my parents and I went on a trip to New Zealand. It was on this 2-week
trip that I noticed Mom showing signs of memory problems. Upon returning home I called my
Dad and asked him what was going on with Mom. After speaking with both my parents about
what I suspected, arrangements were made for Mom to go to a 7-day in-patient unit for
observation.
At the age of 77 she was diagnosed in the mild to moderate stages of Alzheimer’s. As there is
no cure for this disease, I knew my Mother would advance to the point where she would not
know who I was.
Because I lived 3 hours away, I tried to visit my parents at least one weekend a month. The
hardest thing about this disease is you lose your loved one twice. They fade away before they
physically die. My parents went into assisted living in 2007, and Mom ended up in Memory Care
in 2009. The month before Mom died my last moment with her was sitting on the arm of her
chair with her head leaning on me, sitting in silence and being present with her.” – Micki A.