With Mayo Clinic health education outreach coordinator Angela Lunde

Over the past 2 weeks, I have spent my days with some incredible people in a program for persons with mild cognitive impairment and their care partner.

I learned so much from each and every one of them about the challenges that are present when memory begins to decline, as well as the powerful resilience that individuals have, particularly when they have a loving partner by their side. During the program, the two quotes below seemed to have significant meaning for the participants. I wanted to pass these along to you for reflection and comment:

"Denial functions as a buffer after unexpected shocking news, and allows the person time to collect himself."
- Dr. Elizabeth Kubler-Ross

"Remember that I am still a bright and articulate person, with a problem that sometimes affects my ability to do certain things."
- Person with early stage Alzheimer's

Near the end of the program, the participants had their own insightful words about coping with memory problems. I hope you find these as moving as I did.

• We need to simplify our lifestyle
• I need to allow others to help us/me
• It helps to structure our day
• A sense of humor is essential
• We can talk more openly about her memory problems now, that has been a relief
• Telling others was an important step for us
• We focus on and enjoy what we can still do (which is most things)
• I now know to blame the disease, not my wife
• If all else fails, I give her a hug

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