In the United States, there are approximately 6.9 million Americans over age 65 with dementia. And 11.5 million unpaid family caregivers, according to the Alzheimer’s Association. A new program, the Guiding an Improved Dementia Experience (GUIDE) Model, was launched in July of 2024 by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS). The GUIDE model… Continue reading GUIDE Model for Dementia
Multiple Sclerosis (MS) and Fatigue
Fatigue is a common symptom for people with Multiple Sclerosis. According to the National Multiple Sclerosis Society, “over 80% of people living with MS suffer from some form of fatigue.” It can impede an individual’s daily life and make it hard to function at work or at home. Although the causes of MS fatigue are… Continue reading Multiple Sclerosis (MS) and Fatigue
Stroke Recovery Timeline: A Guide for Patients and Caregivers
A stroke is a medical emergency that happens when the blood supply to part of the brain is interrupted or reduced. The stops oxygen and nutrients from flowing to the brain. When this happens, brain cells begin to die within minutes. Receiving treatment quickly is key in minimizing brain damage and improving recovery outcomes. But… Continue reading Stroke Recovery Timeline: A Guide for Patients and Caregivers
Is Breast Cancer Hereditary?
According to the National Breast Cancer Foundation, 1 in 8 women will be diagnosed with breast cancer in their lifetime. Breast cancer occurs when cells mutate and become cancerous cells that multiply and form tumors in the breast. While the cause of each breast cancer diagnosis is unknown, we know many of the risk factors.… Continue reading Is Breast Cancer Hereditary?
Menopause and Mental Health
Menopause is a period in a biological female’s life that can cause immense hormonal changes. These changes can have a significant impact on a person’s physical and mental health. Specifically, for individuals who have suffered with depression or anxiety throughout their lifetime, menopause may cause a resurgence in symptoms. And for those who are new… Continue reading Menopause and Mental Health
Life Expectancy with Amyloidosis
Medically reviewed and verified by Kate Burke, MD, MHA Amyloidosis is a group of diseases that happen when certain proteins in the body change shape, clump together, and form amyloid deposits. These build up in organs and tissues, making them stiff and damaging them over time. Different types of amyloidosis affect different organs, and their… Continue reading Life Expectancy with Amyloidosis
Mimic Diseases: Why Amyloidosis Can be Hard to Diagnose
Medically reviewed and verified by Kate Burke, MD, MHA Getting the right diagnosis in medicine is a crucial first step in treating any illness. However, diagnosing diseases is often more challenging than it seems, especially when dealing with rare conditions like amyloidosis. You may be wondering why diagnosing diseases, in general, can be difficult. Why… Continue reading Mimic Diseases: Why Amyloidosis Can be Hard to Diagnose
End-Stage Amyloidosis: What to Expect for Patients and Caregivers
Medically reviewed and verified by Kate Burke, MD, MHA End-stage amyloidosis is a phase of the disease where the condition has progressed to its most severe form. At this stage, patients experience significant symptoms affecting multiple organ systems, and the focus of care shifts towards managing symptoms and improving quality of life. It can be… Continue reading End-Stage Amyloidosis: What to Expect for Patients and Caregivers
Biomarkers: Understanding their Importance in Diagnosing Amyloidosis
Medically reviewed and verified by Kate Burke, MD, MHA Some medical terminology can lose people immediately. If you are researching a condition and come across a phrase that seems important but is complicated, you might choose to skip right past it! For a disease like amyloidosis, that may be the term “biomarkers.” Biomarkers are indicators… Continue reading Biomarkers: Understanding their Importance in Diagnosing Amyloidosis
Fibromyalgia: Self-Care Tips during a flare up
4-6% of Americans are living with fibromyalgia, which is characterized by widespread body pain or aching muscles (myalgia) and multiple points on the body that are tender to the touch, called tender points. During a flare, you may experience pain throughout the body, brain fog, sleep issues, increased sensitivity to stimuli, intestinal issues, and emotional… Continue reading Fibromyalgia: Self-Care Tips during a flare up