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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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Nov. 24, 2007
Intimacy important for all
By Angela Lunde
The news of Sandra Day O'Conner's husband with Alzheimer's and his romance with 'another woman' probably struck a chord with many who heard the story. I believe this story is less about romance and love, and more about one's basic need for connectedness and human contact.
Obviously, people with advancing Alzheimer's have basic needs including good nutrition, a safe environment, and adequate hygiene, but other things are needed to be reasonably happy. These include a community to belong to, a sense of purpose or meaningful activity, and intimacy.
Intimacy provides a feeling of belonging, comfort, safety, and reassurance — feelings often lost or fragile with Alzheimer's. In fact, a person with Alzheimer's may need intimacy more than ever.
To me, connecting with 'the other woman' was indeed innocent in part because he lacks the ability of intentionality. That is, he is certainly not intentionally harming his wife. He has lost the ability to cognitively understand that this is not his wife, or possibly he has forgotten that he has a wife. Nevertheless, it seems impertinent for anyone to judge the ethical nature of his acts.
He truly is expressing one of our most basic needs, that of being connected to other humans. In one sense, he is displaying the most human element in all of us. Perhaps we should be inspired by this demonstration that we are all truly 'wired' to be connected to others, and even take comfort in this essential human truth.
7 comments posted
April 22, 2009 2:12 a.m.
Good thoughts! However, when the caregiver is a spouse, the need for companionship and intaimacy are also present! In my case, my wife is the patient and has been for nine years. I am very devoted to my wife and am committed to seeing that she gets the best care available. Meanwhile, I am a man in limbo. I am no spring chicken and still have the same desires for companionship and intimacy as a younger man. Furthermore, I cannot see myself living alone after my loved one passes. I know that the heartbreak will kill me! My only hope would be that I meet someone with whom I can share my life and give me a reason to go on living once my spouse passes. This puts me between a rock and a hard place! I would be happy to have a female friend for just a platonic relationship. Whether or not it would remain platonic would depend on how the relationship developed. People may say " What about male friends?" I have male friends, and anyone who does not know the difference in perspective between males and females has been living in a cave! Perhaps the only way I can accomplish my goal is to befriend a lesbian so folks will not be jumping to conclusions. Another alternative might be to fake Alzheimer's, admit myself to a facility and just pretend I am so out of it, that I can flirt with the ladies and almost anyone other than a prude would accept that I am demented and so it just wouldn't matter. I try to make light of this situation, but it is really a serious proble
- Richard
January 4, 2008 1:06 a.m.
I would agree with the assessment.
- Bil
January 3, 2008 3:27 p.m.
For the last 1/1/2 years of my wife being in a nursey home,she did not know me or other family members,as I lived close,I only missed visiting her on 2 evenings,most times she was awake,but every night I held her hand,and shortly she went into a peaceful sleep. She always watched Jepority on T.V.,and at the end I always tapped the beat of the music on her hand,she aiways smiled when the music was been played.These may soun like small things to some,but for me,after 57 years with a wonderful person,it gives me comfort now,that I was with her until she passes away,and some day I will be with her again.
- John Cronin
December 15, 2007 7:43 p.m.
Having watched my wife's grandmother degrade from a spirited, robust woman to a body attached to a mind disconnected from family, friends, any recollection of the past, or any connection to this world, I hope I have the courage to ignore the stigma associated with self-termination should I find myself slipping off into a cognitive abyss.
- No name given
December 4, 2007 7:48 p.m.
The Alzheimer patient may need to be connected, but don't you think the rest home should watch so they do not go to bed with each other. I went to see my husband often, but this woman in the ward thought he was her husband. He would tell her he was married and always introduced me as his wife. I tried to get the rest home to keep them separated but they did not try. They were found in bed together one day. That was really hard to take. I moved him to another rest home and have had no problem.
- June
November 27, 2007 11:23 p.m.
My husband was diagnosed with early Alzheimer's. He has memory defecit and confusion. I concur that all humans need to be connected and belong. My husband and I worked for years in various volunteer positions in a local hospital. He is unable to function due to memory problems, and liability laws which the hospital must follow. We are in the process os numerous physical exams, testing with several physicians. I bring a large tablet with my questions, such as his/her policies of open discussion with my husband present, and other meetings without him being present which might make him uncomfortable. We are just beginning the long journey. I am reading books from the hospital library. We are all unique. I will ask if there is also a local support group. I will pray for all the patients and their families. I ask that you remember us in your prayers. Love and bright blessings, Doris
- Doris Sutton
November 27, 2007 6:24 p.m.
My father was placed in an Alzheimer's home, The Cottage at the Glenn. There are 15 rooms in this "cottage," a wonderful place based on the Johns Hopkins' Green House Model. It is still difficult emotionally, but we know he is safe and well cared for. About 3 months ago, we had to add full-time care givers as well. He is most content when sitting with Mrs. D. He thinks she is my mother and calls her Jo. Mrs. D. calls him Jeff. They are very gentle with each other and full of concern for the other's welfare. Their conversations are completely disjointed as they are actually discussing different topics, but that doesn't seem to concern them. We are grateful for this relationship that seems to comfort both of them in a world that is often confusing and stressful.
- jen
7 comments posted