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 [...]

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 [...]

Stepping into the role of a family caregiver can feel overwhelming at first. However, with the right preparation, it’s possible to ease the challenges you’ll face along the way. Understanding the basics of caregiving, from learning about your loved one’s condition to organizing care routines and embracing self-care, will help ensure a smoother journey. [...]

Introduction to Family Caregiving Family caregiving involves providing unpaid assistance to family members or loved ones who need support due to illness, disability, or the effects of aging. If you find yourself running errands, helping with daily tasks, or managing medical appointments for someone you care about, you are a family caregiver. This role can [...]

Tardive dyskinesia (TD) is a neurological condition that affects thousands of individuals taking certain mental health medications, yet many families only learn about this TD condition when their loved one begins experiencing symptoms. Diana's story as a tardive dyskinesia caregiver illustrates the unique challenges of recognizing tardive dyskinesia symptoms from a distance and [...]