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April 11, 2008 1:17 p.m.

The language of love

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By 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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5 comments posted

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April 29, 2008 11:15 a.m.

How true - the power of touch and affection on people with Alzheimer's. When my Mom is agitated, she responds well to stroking her arm, holding her hand or rocking gently back and forth while hugging her. I miss my pre-Alzheimer's Mom dearly but I've also learned to cherish every opportunity to help with her care and provide as much comfort as I can.

- Bobbi Karibian

April 23, 2008 9:07 a.m.

My memoir chronicles the 11 years that my husband and I shared his Alzheimer's. It offers inspiration and insight for maintaining "emotional memory". Bill was able to recognize our immediate family and say "I love you" until the end. It is our love story that demonstrates the power of love and resiliency to improve the quality of life. "Everything Will Be Alright: an Alzheimer's memoir" will donate profits to research.

- glory Read

April 15, 2008 12:29 p.m.

Alzheimer's and CJD http://betaamyloidcjd.blogspot.com/ Friday, March 21, 2008 Association between Deposition of Beta-Amyloid and Pathological Prion Protein in Sporadic Creutzfeldt-Jakob Disease Original Paper http://betaamyloidcjd.blogspot.com/2008/03/association-between-deposition-of-beta.html TSS

- Terry S. Singeltary Sr.

April 14, 2008 6:15 p.m.

Angela, you're Wonderful Love is the most important key of all. I am going through with my Dad's Dementia (breaks my heart) I'd like to meet you someday I love the way Maya Angelou wrote this: People will forget what you said People will forget what you did But they will never forget how you made them feel...

- HumbleFaith

April 12, 2008 8:04 p.m.

Angela, You are so right about the comfort and understanding even when you cannot speak the language. I always knew what my mom was trying to communicate by her actions and body language. She was such a joy to my family. We miss her.....She passed on from a septic infection from a bed sore. That was tragic. So unnecessary. With proper training of the disease and patience.............She would have not suffered with this and taking of her life.

- miss sophie