With Mayo Clinic health education outreach coordinator Angela Lunde

Earlier this week I returned from a visit to Costa Rica. While there, I had the opportunity to meet with families caring for a loved one with dementia, as well as with persons in various stages of Alzheimer's attending a day program. My experience was meaningful on so many levels.

I left reflecting that Alzheimer's disease knows no boundaries in terms of race, culture or geography, nor its impact on families. Although I struggled with the language (I do not speak Spanish), I could feel the message of pain and devastation from caregivers and other family members by looking in their eyes and sharing a hug.

When I visited the persons with Alzheimer's, not speaking their language was less of a barrier; we could understand one another through our expressions, hugs, hand holding, and even some dancing. I felt rather at home in Costa Rica especially when surrounded by persons who have Alzheimer's — clearly, the language of love is universal.

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