“Chemo brain”: 3 surprising findings from recent research

Chemo brain

“Chemo brain” — the term for cognitive problems associated with chemotherapy treatment — appears to be very common, but doctors only started paying attention to it in the late 1990s. A 2012 study that finally helped elevate chemo brain as a serious and widespread issue estimated that up to 75% of breast cancer survivors experience “cognitive deficits—problems with… Continue reading “Chemo brain”: 3 surprising findings from recent research

Key takeaways from a recent study on antidepressants

antidepressants

The World Health Organization reports 300 million people live with depression, but less than half receive effective treatment. A recent study in the journal The Lancet has been making headlines for comparing the effectiveness of antidepressant medications — information that is often lacking for patients trying to make informed choices about their treatments. They found that all of the… Continue reading Key takeaways from a recent study on antidepressants

Parkinson’s Disease and Drenching Night Sweats? Solutions!

PatientsLikeMe members with Parkinson’s disease (PD) have talked a lot about excessive sweating (aka hyperhidrosis) and heat intolerance with Parkinson’s disease. It can be a “stinker,” as one blogger who has PD recently shared in Parkinson’s News Today. Can you relate? Read on for more information and some possible adjustments or life hacks that others have tried.… Continue reading Parkinson’s Disease and Drenching Night Sweats? Solutions!

Dr. Rick Bedlack weighs in on telemedicine

Do you have difficulty getting to your doctor’s appointments? Ever thought about using telemedicine? Connecting online can make it easier to get the care you need. Here, Dr. Rick Bedlack (a tenured associate professor of Medicine/Neurology at Duke University and the director of the Duke ALS Clinic that’s partnering with PatientsLikeMe in the current Lunasin study) explains… Continue reading Dr. Rick Bedlack weighs in on telemedicine

Circulation issues & ALS

Do you have circulation issues like swelling (also called edema) or a burning (or cold) sensation in your legs and feet? How do you cope? From compression stockings to therapeutic massage and limiting salt intake, PatientLikeMe ALS members are managing their circulation issues in some creative ways. Why do some people with ALS experience poor circulation?… Continue reading Circulation issues & ALS

Home Safety Month: Pointers for “aging in place”

June is National Home Safety Month and there’s a buzz around “aging in place,” so we’ve gathered tips and products that can help today’s (stylish) older adults avoid falls and live well at home for years to come. A top home-safety goal: Fall prevention Falls are a growing problem when it comes to home safety,… Continue reading Home Safety Month: Pointers for “aging in place”

Marijuana/lung cancer: New reporting on potential risks/benefits of cannabis

Medical marijuana and cannabidiol (CBD) are getting a lot of media coverage — so what’s the latest, as it relates to lung cancer? See two recent high-profile articles that weigh the possible risks and benefits of cannabis for cancer and respiratory disease. And add your perspective. (Psst, checkout past PatientsLikeMe write-ups on medical marijuana and CBD for some background.)… Continue reading Marijuana/lung cancer: New reporting on potential risks/benefits of cannabis

Age-By-Age Guide To Navigating Reproductive Health With Lupus

Lupus can affect your reproductive health in a variety of ways throughout your life and can raise the risks of complications during pregnancy. Thanks to medical advances, the chances of having a safe pregnancy have improved — the key is careful planning. Check out this timeline of gynecological and reproductive health considerations when you have… Continue reading Age-By-Age Guide To Navigating Reproductive Health With Lupus

Parenting with bipolar II: Alysia’s story

Meet Alysia, a member of the 2018 PatientsLikeMe Team of Advisors who’s living with bipolar II disorder. Here’s what she had to say about parenting with a mental health condition, learning to adapt and how she “defies the odds.” When I was younger I wrote stories about my alter ego who had kids. I lived almost… Continue reading Parenting with bipolar II: Alysia’s story

Service, therapy and emotional support animals: What’s the difference?

When it comes to living with a chronic condition, animal companions can add another layer of comfort, safety and service. So, we’re opening up a conversation about therapy, emotional support and service animals, and the differences between them. Do you have an animal? Join the community and share a pic of your pet using the hashtag #PLMPets. Service animals… Continue reading Service, therapy and emotional support animals: What’s the difference?