Finding Resilience & Connection in Dementia Caregiving with Angela Lunde, M.A., Associate in Neurology at Mayo Clinic in the Alzheimer's Disease Research Center & Joan Carp, Care Partner

How do caregivers find the strength to continue day after day, navigating the complexities of dementia?It's a journey that demands resilience, patience, and an often-overlooked capacity to find joy in the simplest moments. Our guest, Angela Lunde, M.A., has dedicated over 20 years to understanding the experiences of those living with dementia and their care partners. Her insights into the emotional landscape of caregiving are both profound and encouraging.

Angela is not just a researcher but a true advocate, working tirelessly to improve the quality of life for people impacted by dementia. She serves as an Associate in Neurology at the Mayo Clinic's Alzheimer's Disease Research Center and has contributed to numerous publications and books on topics ranging from mild cognitive impairment to innovative solutions for wellbeing. Angela believes in the power of community and the importance of reducing stigma, integrating persons with dementia into everyday life, and supporting those who care for them. Today, Angela sheds light on the ways caregivers find resilience, how new patterns of communication can transform relationships, and the role of acceptance in navigating the caregiving journey.

In this episode, we'll also discuss the Connect2Caregivers Study at Mayo Clinic, a research initiative aimed at providing peer-to-peer emotional support for dementia caregivers. We'll be joined by Joan Carp, a care partner for her husband living with Alzheimer's, who has personally experienced the benefits of a mindfulness-based dementia caring program. Together, we talk about the real-life challenges caregivers face, the surprising sources of strength they tap into, and the importance of creating supportive, connected communities. Whether you're a caregiver, a family member, or someone interested in the well-being of those impacted by dementia, this conversation promises to be heartfelt, insightful, and inspiring.

Resources mentioned:

• Mindfulness Based Dementia Care – Presence Care - https://presencecareproject.com/

• Book: Day to Day – A guide for offering care and support - https://mcpress.mayoclinic.org/product/day-to-day-living-with-dementia/

• Mayo Clinic Dementia Hub - https://connect.mayoclinic.org/blog/dementia-hub/

• Connect2caregivers https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/seeking-current-and-former-family-caregivers/

• Dementia Action Alliance https://daanow.org/

• Lorenzo's House https://lorenzoshouse.org/

• Alzheimer's Association https://www.alz.org/

• LBDA https://www.lbda.org/

• AFTD https://www.theaftd.org/

We are not medical professionals and are not providing any medical advice. If you have any medical questions, we recommend that you talk with a medical professional of your choice. willGather has taken care in selecting its speakers but the opinions of our speakers are theirs alone. Thank you for your continued interest in our podcasts.

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*This episode is brought to you by Gigi Betty co., a boutique gift shop raising awareness and funds for caregivers and care partners. Show now at www.gigibettyco.com. Use the special code WILLGATHER20 for 20% off your order- Just for our podcast listeners!