- With Mayo Clinic health education outreach coordinator
Angela Lunde
read biographyclose windowBiography of
Angela Lunde
Angela Lunde is a dementia education specialist in the education core of Mayo Clinic's Alzheimer's Disease Research Center at the Abigail Van Buren Alzheimer's Disease Research Clinic in Rochester, Minn.
Angela Lunde
The transfer of information about dementias, as well as understanding the need for participation in clinical trials, is an essential component of the education core.
Angela is a member of the Alzheimer's Association board of directors and co-chair of the annual Minnesota Dementia Conference. She is a member of the Dementia Behavior Assessment and Response Team (D-BART), a multidisciplinary outreach service assisting professional and family caregivers in understanding and managing difficult behaviors often present in dementia. She facilitates several support groups, including Memory Club, an early-stage education and support series, and more recently, helped to develop and now deliver Healthy Action to Benefit Independence and Thinking (HABIT), a 10-day cognitive rehab and wellness program for people with mild cognitive impairment.
Angela takes a personal interest in understanding the complex changes that take place within relationships and among families when dementia is present. She is particularly interested in providing innovative and accessible ways for people with dementia and their families to receive information and participate in valuable programs that promote well-being.
"Amid a devastating disease, there are tools, therapies, programs and ways to cope, and it is vital that families are connected to these resources," she says.
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Alzheimer's blog
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Dec. 11, 2012
Caregivers have a great gift to share with each other — their stories
By Angela Lunde
A few weeks ago Ella, a wife and caregiver, wrote about her possible departure from her support group community. She shared that the support group includes many new members who often come with feelings of grief and anger, as well as experienced participants who continue to attend even after the death of their loved one. Ella wrote that lingering disbelief and years of loneliness dwell with many in her support group family.
Ella, 80 and still caring for her husband, went on to say that after many years of attending the support group, she feels she doesn't have much to offer anymore. She said perhaps she should move on. While that's understandable (everything has a time and a place), I wonder if Ella recognizes the gift she has given and keeps on giving.
Ella teaches others about stretching beyond the grief and anger by reaching out to those who share a common path. I know how difficult it can be for caregivers to feel that they have the energy to open up to others. Ella may have felt that same reluctance in the early years. And yet, she's an example that on the other side of isolation sits connectedness, offering a way to greater resilience and ease.
Ella teaches others that the most difficult times eventually pass and that patience, love and peaceful days can find their return. And perhaps what I love the most, Ella is an example of living through life's heartache with dignity and grace.
Her gift is her willingness to be vulnerable and to share her story, her beautifully imperfect life — a life that offers lessons in resilience, dignity and hope. And when she shares with others (and us) in her support group, the notion that she is disconnected dissolves. Perhaps this is the gift Ella receives in return.
Without a way to share our stories and our struggles, we are left feeling lonely, indifferent and out of touch with our life's meaning and purpose. We can end up feeling unworthy, unloved and even sick. Sharing and telling our stories with others who will listen and who really care may be the most powerful medicine on earth.
I encourage you all to find ways to connect and share your story — this will be a lasting gift to you. Listen with empathy to others who share their story — this is the gift you give to one another. Know that you are not alone. In Ella's words, "it will be all right."
I wish you joy and ease this holiday season.
Angela
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