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Angela Lunde
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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.
Latest entries
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Oct. 31, 2009
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Sept. 9, 2009
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Aug. 4, 2009
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Alzheimer's blog
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Oct. 31, 2008
Alzheimer's disease disclosure a sensitive issue
By Angela Lunde
Thank you for posting your thoughts on disclosing the diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease. As expected, there are many views on the subject. This is a sensitive issue and one that was a key topic at a conference on "Ethics in Caregiving" that I recently attended. I wanted to comment on a few of the postings I received over the past couple of weeks that hit on the topics of disclosure, denial and communication.
- I appreciate the posting from 'Sister' because I sometimes hear from family members that the person with a diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease is in denial. However, one thing to be aware of is that many people with a dementia, particularly when the fontal lobes of the brain are impacted, lack awareness or insight into their own changes or deficits. Anosognosia is the medical term for this symptom. In some cases it might be denial, but in most instances the person truly believes there isn't a problem.
- Shari, you have taken the perfect approach to discussing your mom's Alzheimer's disease with her. You realized that explaining her condition using the word 'dementia' only upset her. So, you changed to referring to her changes as 'memory issues.' You took your cues from her response and added in a healthy dose of reassurance. Beautifully done!
- Becky, you learned an important lesson in Alzheimer's communication — you rarely win an argument with someone who has Alzheimer's disease (remember that reasoning and judgment are areas of the brain impacted by Alzheimer's disease). I found this 'poem' a while back and have shared it with many caregivers. I think this will make sense to you and your family:
The 10 Absolutes:
Never argue; instead, agree.
Never reason; instead, distract.
Never shame; instead, distract.
Never lecture; instead, reassure.
Never say "remember,"
instead reminisce.
- Finally, many of you are looking for someone to talk to who understands and can offer support and guidance. I suggest a wonderful service called Helpline, offered by the Alzheimer's Association. The Alzheimer's Association 24/7 Helpline provides reliable information and support to all those who need assistance. You can call toll-free anytime day or night at 1-800-272-3900 (TDD: 1-866-403-3073).
Trained and knowledgeable staff offers:
- Confidential care consultation provided by master's level clinicians who can help with decision-making support, crisis assistance and education on issues families face every day.
- Help in a caller's preferred language using translation service that features over 140 languages and dialects.
- Referrals to local community programs, services and ongoing support.
- Information on understanding memory loss, dementia and Alzheimer's medications and other treatment options, skills to provide quality care and to find the best care from professionals, as well as legal, financial and living-arrangement decisions.
18 comments posted
August 23, 2009 4:33 p.m.
My father is 87 and a retired Doctor. Diagnosed w/ dementia but still undergoing tests. He lives in his house w/ 2 caregivers. Last yr he sold his 67 mustang convertable , which he kept in the barn w/ a 57 chevy that a patient gave him . He promised his children that he would not sell the chevy. My brother saw 2 men speaking to my dad about selling the chevy. The care giver dialed the man for my dad and heard dad say that he didn't want to sell it, the man persisted but dad held firm. Then the other caregiver came to work a few days latr and the man was at my dads home being very pushy about buying the car saying " i have cash in my pocket". He left when he saw that the caregiver was watching. Well , he came back and got the car for 3,000. but no check and no cash. I know the mans name ( my dad delivered all the family and took care of them even if they couldn't pay) Is there any leagal recorse? I'm just sick about someone taking advantage of my dad. He was born on that farm and came back to care for the people in the town. He also voluntered to go to Vietnam when he was 43 to do trauma surgery and when he was 68 he paid all expenses and went to Afghanistan to help children that were mamed by bombs. Its not the value of the car as much as the fact that my dad is obviously impared and this person saw him as $$$$.
- Jeanne
May 29, 2009 9:22 a.m.
I read some information on E.C.T. therapy, and possible dementia symptoms.
- Bonnie Green
April 24, 2009 12:13 p.m.
I have had memory problems since I was sixteen. In spite of being pretty smart, I failed the history regents. I am now 73, and have become more forgetful. I have been tested, and all signs point to the big A. The medication I am taking aricept and namenda are not helping too much. Starting with aricept, I was ok. When I started namenda, everything started to go haywire (physically and mentally). I think one's confidence is shattered under these circumstances - worrying whether "slips" are noticeable. Any help/ideas would be appreciated.
- Madeline
January 3, 2009 11:55 p.m.
My girlfriend recently confronted a dearly beloved elderly spouse (male) friend, re his wife and her now obvious forgetfulness. He's aware. She too, the spouse, is aware. This couple has been together and depended on/loved each other for always. Was it a good idea to confront the husband and ask if he noticed his wife was 'forgetful much more than ever'....only to have him admit (at his about 80 y/o age) how much it worries him? Do you remain quiet and play a "Oh, I forget that stuff too...." game; or does someone come right out and confront? She, the person who might probably have this disease (late 70's) has been extremely active in farm assistance all her life and raising something like 10 kids. A friend provided the info. The person with the 'problem' mentioned it and was told maybe she should make a Dr. appt and tell him. Do meds help? Is it all genetics -- Really, doesn't it basically go on genetics? I'm not talking about testing of kids, I'm saying that in the 'old' days we simply took care of 'Grandma' who wanted to rewash the dishes 10 times a day. Now, seems we want to store them away to be someone elses problem. Too difficult for us to deal with. Hey! I'm thinking selfishly of myself too! I want to try to be a better person, but at what point do you think you just can't juggle everything?
- Kasey
November 24, 2008 2:50 p.m.
When we got to diagnosis stage with my mum, I simply asked her if she wanted to know what it was that she had. She said "No", so we left it at that. We slowly introduced the AD "vocabulary" into our conversation over time and she didn't react badly. As for flu / pneumonia shots, we figured it was just as bad to have to struggle for breath with flu and pneumonia (Mum almost died from it) as any possible side effects from the vaccine. She was in a residence for 6 years, exposed to all the other residents and their various repiratory "ills" and it seemed better to protect her with the vaccine. As a health-care worker myself, I have been vaccinated for years with no ill effects.
- Pat
November 20, 2008 10:17 p.m.
Cannabis 'cure' [or keep it at bay]for Alzheimer's disease Read article in The Daily Irish Mail 20/11/08 In experiments a marijuana-based medcine triggered the formation of new brain cells and cut inflammation linked to dementia. U.S.researchers report.
- Hugh Brogan Gort County Galway. Ireland
November 18, 2008 6:21 p.m.
i was wondering if there was a post on the answer to taking flu shots and vacinations whether they are a factor ..
- Sharon
November 18, 2008 5:51 p.m.
I lost my best friend, my Dad, to AD this past February. I had a special friend who was with the police force help me with the driving issue. He came to the house, told my Dad that he had seen his erratic driving and was concerned for his welfare. He said that my Dad had protected us in WWII and he wanted to protect my Dad. My Dad handed over his driver's license. I then accompanied my Dad to the BMV to get his ID card. It was one of the saddest days in my life. His independence was on the way out. I was sad but blessed to have been with him for one of his many future events with AD.
- Kathy
November 17, 2008 10:27 a.m.
I too, was told vaccinations and flu shots are not good for your brain. It's builds up excitoxins in your brain. You can listen to an interview about that. Click http://www.alzheimersteam.com/2008/10/holler-
for-your-health.html - Krista
November 14, 2008 12:45 p.m.
Regarding the driving - I have suggested to families that they disable the car. For example deflate tires, pull spark plugs, hide keys etc. This way the family is not telling them not to drive but rather the car isn't working.
- wcvk6f - Nancy
November 13, 2008 10:45 p.m.
Is it true that flu shots can cause dementia or alzheimers disease?
- Marie
November 12, 2008 4:23 a.m.
What wonderful advice. My Mom had Alzheimers and the support group I attended was the best thing I could have done for my Mom and for myself. It is a devasting disease and you definitely need all the information you can get. My Mom has been gone for over 10 years now. I miss her so much but realize she is in a better place and at rest.
- Natalie
November 11, 2008 3:01 p.m.
There are many times I think it is unwise to tell the patient he/she has AD. I saw one women who was told & it was tragic. She cried for days. My husband used to say "I don't have the BAD ONE. I have aphasia. " And we let him dream on. In the AD unit locally, I saw many hearts breaking when the poor person would say "but I want to go home" and the relative would say "NO, YOU CAN't GO home.This is your home now." Promise them anything that makes them happy.Saying "I have to go to the bathroom. I'll be right back!" is a merciful deed. They are content and will forget you the minute you are out of sight.
- Ginnie
November 4, 2008 3:32 p.m.
My husband was recently diagnosed with Alzheimers at the age of 58. The Drs' weren't sure at first if it was Frontal Tempero Dimentia or Alzheimers but a spect scan confirmed the Alzheimers. He was told that he cannot drive also.
- Patty
November 4, 2008 2:37 p.m.
My mother was recently diagnosed with Alzheimers and was told not to drive. She insists there is nothing wrong with her and says she will never forget her if we try to take her car away from her.
- No name given
November 3, 2008 3:13 p.m.
I have Alzheimer's disease in my family and have recently been told that flu shots can cause Alzheimer's Disease. Is this possible?
- Judy Whitt
November 2, 2008 10:13 p.m.
My Mom was recently diagnosed with Alzheimers by a specialist. He made the diagnosis by asking my mom a series of memory-related questions. She has been really depressed since the diagnosis and is supposed to go back for a whole series of tests(about 6 hours of tests). Do you think it would be possible to ask the doctor to give her the test results with a different name so that my mom could feel better? I am afraid that she will decline very rapidly with this diagnosis.
- Lori
October 31, 2008 8:29 a.m.
A new Alzheimer's treatment called Memeron has been developed to help with memory loss.
- cerebralhealth
18 comments posted