Tor Gudmundsson understands that the challenges of aging aren’t just felt by older adults. He has experienced those challenges both in his role as executive director of Habitat for Humanity of Missoula, as well as in his own family. Both of those have inspired him to take on his newest role: joining the board of directors for the Alzheimer's Association of Montana.

“Many of our key Habitat volunteers who’ve been with us for 30 or more years have begun to turn up less and less at Habitat events and more at Walk to End Alzheimer’s events as they age,” Gudmundsson said. “They’re still giving service to the community, but how they do it is shifting.”

At home, Gudmundsson’s wife, India, was an active caregiver for her mother, who passed away in September after a four-year battle with dementia. That experience left the couple puzzled and frustrated, uncertain how to proceed with a medical condition that was as difficult to get diagnosed as it was to cope with.

“We were totally out of the loop regarding resources for us as caregivers,” he said. “If we had known about the Alzheimer’s Association and its resources three years ago, it would have provided us some direction and care, and helped us feel less lonely.

“Not only are you grappling with a family member visibly becoming a different person, but we didn’t know where to turn to find a doctor who could knowledgeably review what was happening,” he said. “Now we know there’s a whole community there through the Association, and I want to see that everyone else gets access to those resources sooner than we did. They’re amazing.”

The move by former Montana Habitat staff member Nevin Graves to the Alzheimer's Association last year helped provide that link for the Gudmundssons. Even though India’s mom was advanced in her dementia by that time, the information Graves provided helped the couple find support and created the link that led Tor to his role on the Association’s board.

Added motivation

As if caring for India’s mother wasn’t enough motivation, the couple have concerns about inherited risk since India’s grandfather also passed away with dementia.

“We’re already talking with our doctor about the risk she may be facing,” Gudmundsson said of his wife.

A personal commitment

Given his role with Habitat for Humanity, Gudmundsson is familiar with the interaction between paid staff members and board members. His plan is to approach his new board position with intention.

“My motivation is to be the kind of board member I would want to have,” he said. "I want to be engaged. I am eternally grateful to those who have stepped up (as Habitat for Humanity board members) when no one else would. I know how important that is for a non-profit and I’m excited if I can fill that void. This is a big state and it’s going to require a lot of involvement and ‘direct lift’ by board. That will be good for the staff, good for the board and good for the future of the Association.”

Gudmundsson’s arrival is welcomed by Melanie Williams, executive director of the Alzheimer's Association of Montana.

“Tor has a passion for this cause,” said Williams. “When you combine that with his own experience with a non-profit organization as well as his understanding of the challenges that caregivers face, he is a very welcome addition to our board of directors.”

There are 21,000 Montanans among more than seven million Americans living with Alzheimer’s disease, the seventh-leading cause of death and the only leading disease without a prevention or cure. To learn more about the information, programs and services offered at no charge by the Alzheimer’s Association, go to alz.org or call the Association’s free 24/7 Helpline at 800-272-3900.