Disease Specific Resources(articles)

A stroke happens when the brain does not receive enough oxygen due to a block or bleeding of the blood vessels that reduces the supply of blood to the brain. This is an emergency that must be treated immediately or else it can lead to disability or death. Types of Stroke There are 3 types of stroke: Ischemic stroke is the most common type of stroke where a blood clot disrupts the supply of blood and oxygen to the brain. Read More

Breast Cancer –  An Overview Symptoms, Causes and Risk Factors Source: Mayo Clinic(22-11-2019) Breast cancer is a type of cancer that forms in the cells of the breasts. Although it occurs in men and women, it is much more prevalent among women. Raising awareness of this condition is vital in ensuring timely treatment and removing the stigma surrounding it. An abnormal lump in the breast is not the only symptom. If there are any changes in the size, shape or Read More

“When taking care of someone with heart disease, it’s essential that the caregiver take breaks to avoid burnout and accept help from others. Often times, caregivers will abandon their own healthcare needs.” Cardiovascular Diseases (CVD) are the number one cause of death globally. However it can be controlled by making certain lifestyle changes. In this article 2 cardiologists provide tips on how family caregivers can take care of a loved one suffering from a heart disease. Diet is of utmost Read More

Original Publishing Date :May 17, 2017 Publisher: National Institute of Health [NIH] Author : National Institute on Aging[NIA] Alzheimer’s caregivers struggle with aggressive behaviors of their  loved ones and  the impact of the disease. Caregiving for someone with dementia is a commitment that changes over the course of the disease — requiring more time, skills, decision-making and patience. “Absolutely the easiest thing for someone to say and the hardest thing to accept is the advice to take care of yourself Read More

Original Publishing Date – May 7, 2020 Publisher – Dementia Care Notes “No one is certain how long the restrictions and challenges posed by COVID-19 and related preventive measures will continue…caregivers can build an information base and skills to handle it better and also find ways to tap others for help selectively when needed.” Older adults suffering from dementia are easily disoriented by the changes in their immediate surroundings due to the Covid-19 pandemic. Caregivers need to help them adjust Read More

Source: Alzheimer’s Association Early Stage Caregiving Early-stage Alzheimer’s patients are those patients who are in the beginning stages of their disease. They are usually quite independent, driving themselves places, working or even take part in social activities. The early-stage doesn’t have a time limit and can last for years, however a diagnosis will affect everyone who loves and cares about the person diagnosed with it. Early-stage patients are highly independent. A caregiver only needs  to provide support and companionship . As Read More

Dementia is an umbrella term that covers numerous mental illnesses that are marked by the impairment of at least two brain functions. Alzheimer’s is the most common form of Dementia. It is a neurodegenerative disease that begins mild and ramps in intensity as it progresses. Alzheimer’s is mainly exhibited in a patient in the form of memory loss. There are 3 main stages of Alzheimer’s: Preclinical – before the symptoms appear, Mild cognitive decline – when the symptoms are mild Read More

Original Publishing Date – May 7, 2020 Publisher – Dementia Care Notes “Caregivers can build an information base and skills to handle it better and also find ways to tap others for help selectively when needed.” Older adults suffering from dementia are easily disoriented by the changes in their immediate surroundings due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Caregivers need to help them adjust to new conditions. Creating a daily routine based on the old routine will make them feel comfortable because Read More

Publisher: DailyCaring Author: DailyCaring Editorial Team “On an emotional level, having an idea of what symptoms to expect helps you find ways to cope with challenging behaviors … a chance to mentally prepare yourself for the inevitable changes”  Symptoms of dementia are often unpredictable. The lack of knowledge about the disease prevents from developing valid guidelines applicable to take care of any dementia patient.  “They may still be able to talk, but communicating and expressing thoughts becomes difficult – even Read More

Original Publishing date: March 2020 Publisher: Alzheimer’s Association “Most likely, dementia does not increase risk for COVID-19, just like dementia does not increase risk for flu. However, dementia-related behaviors, increased age and common health conditions that often accompany dementia may increase risk.” This article provides useful tips for caregivers of patients with dementia at home or in a nursing home and tips for the caregivers safety. Although dementia doesn’t increase the risk of COVID-19, people with dementia may forget to Read More