Alzheimer’s disease devastated our family when my mom, at just 67, was diagnosed in 2010 and passed away two years later. Living through her journey opened my eyes in ways I could never have anticipated. Through this post, I hope to share those insights, supported by the innovative Alzheimer’s Module from Embodied Labs, which [...]

Understanding Syngap1: A Sibling's Perspective My name is Paulina Polanco, and I am a Syngap1 caregiver to my two extraordinary 20-year-old twin sisters, Esperanza and Libertad—Espy and Libby. Their journey with this neurodevelopmental disease has transformed our family's understanding of love, resilience, and unconditional support. The Turning Point: When Syngap1 Became Real In 2020, our [...]

FX/Hulu's "Feud: Capote vs. the Swans" offers more than just a glimpse into high society drama and literary feuds. Beyond its captivating portrayal of 1960s-1980s fashion and sharp-tongued exchanges, this Ryan Murphy series masterfully weaves profound themes of family caregiving that deeply resonate with today's caregiving challenges. The Paley Story: When Illness Transforms Family [...]

Sandra Bagwell of Mission, Texas, holding the remains of her son, Ryan, who died in 2022. “Ryan was poisoned,” she said. Credit...Verónica Gabriela Cárdenas for The New York Times To the Editor: Re: “In Fentanyl Deaths, Victims’ Families Say Word Choice Matters” (front page, March 11): The heartbreaking story of 19-year-old Ryan Bagwell’s death further [...]

The Unexpected Journey of Alzheimer's No matter how much research you conduct about Alzheimer's disease, understanding its true impact remains impossible until it directly affects your family. My personal journey began in early 2017 when I first noticed unusual changes in my husband's behavior. By 2018, we received a diagnosis of mild cognitive impairment [...]

I’ve watched the Chevy holiday commercial numerous times over the past few weeks.  From the first moment I saw the opening interaction between the grandmother and granddaughter, I’ve been enamored with the thoughtfulness put into creating this commercial.  So much so that we shared and discussed the video with employed caregivers as a [...]

Managing finances can be overwhelming for family caregivers, especially when balancing their own financial responsibilities with those of their loved ones. Caregiver Action Network (CAN) understands these challenges and has developed resources aimed at providing financial help for caregivers. Through their #CaregiversConnect initiative, CAN is helping family caregivers better manage finances while continuing to provide [...]

During National Hispanic Heritage Month — September 15 to October 15 — the U.S. celebrates the contributions of more than 60 million Hispanic Americans, Latinos, Latinas, and Latinx-identifying people to our culture and society. This is the story of Deborah, a Latinx woman who cared for her mother, who immigrated from Brazil. Deborah's mother was [...]

When caregiving ends, many caregivers face both emotional and practical challenges in their transition to life after caregiving. This significant change affects not only your daily routine but also your sense of identity and purpose. Understanding these challenges and finding support during this transition is crucial for your well-being. Grieving After Caregiving: A Personal [...]

This fall brought promising news for patients battling Alzheimer’s and their caregivers. Innovative treatments aimed at slowing disease progression showed the "most encouraging results yet" in a clinical trial. These developments offer hope for those affected by Alzheimer's disease and their families. Unfortunately, accessing these treatments may be challenging for patients due to a [...]