Take Charge! Resource Library

For a patient to succeed, caregivers must be informed, supported, empowered and prepared. The resources collected here are meant to be accessible anytime to any caregiver. Search or sort by topic by clicking on the buttons below, or simply browse. Is there a subject you think we should add? Email us at email@mmclt.org.

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Additional Resources

Aging and Brain Health
Caregiver Stress
Dementia
Long Term Planning
Mental Health and Behavior
Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI)
Parkinson's Disease
Parkinson's Plus Syndromes
Safety and Strategies

Learn to recognize normal changes.

There are factors you can control.

Exercise, sleep and diet

One step at a time

Water is the body’s power source

A plant-based diet that reduces risk of chronic diseases

Alcohol impacts the brain differently as we age

As we age we produce less of the "sunshine vitamin"

Helps nerve cells communicate with each other

Benefits for brain and body

A noticeable but mild decline in memory or thinking skills.

Parkinson's Plus resembles PD but has additional features and different changes in the brain.

Dr. Edwards explores stages of caregiving at Matthews Glen

Second most common brain disorder behind Alzheimer's Disease.

Understand anxiety to better understand our own behavior.

Cognitive impairment symptoms relate to dementia.

Advance care planning allows ones wishes to be expressed about their medical care when they are unable to do so.

Dr. Iyer explains the motor signs of PD.

Most common type of dementia.

Many therapeutic medicines and illicit drugs can cause movement disorders.

Caregiver stress is very common.

Delusions and Hallucinations are classified as psychoses.

Learn about non-motor symptoms, their impact. and treatment strategies.

Second most common type of dementia.

Identifying the source of your stress.

Brainstorm solutions with family to reduce caregiver stress.

The nervous system does not work properly and is unable to regulate body functions.

Also known as Lewy Body Dementia

Mental disturbance causing confused thinking and disturbed attention.

Accounts for less than 5% of all dementias.

Changing position causes a drop in blood pressure.

Excess spinal fluid collect in ventricles, causing symptoms.

ICD is possible while being treated with dopamine agonists.

Sleep Disorders are very common with Parkinson's Disease.

Movement disorders focus on abnormal movements.

Depression and Anxiety are common with Parkinson's Disease.

A rapid change with Parkinson's is usually explained by something else such as a UTI.

Serotonin and Norepinephrine influence many brain related functions.

Motor symptoms are treated by replacing dopamine.

Keeping a symptom diary helps fine-tune your treatment

Memory disorder due to the lack of thiamine.

Advanced treatments that address symptoms that normal medications may not.

A tool used to assess the level of cognitive function in a person with dementia.

Combination of different drugs can increase risk.

Detailed instructions for use

Detailed instructions for use

Remove firearms before there is a major concern.

Symptoms can involve cognition (thinking), movement, behavior, and mood.

Be aware of the signs and symptoms to help prevent suicide.

Independent living around the Charlotte area.

Considerations at home or long term care

Explore the different forms of home care available.

Medications can ease symptoms and slow progression

Sleep allows time for the brain to rest and repair.

The more medication one takes, the higher the risk for complications or mistakes.

Understand the basics of a dementia diagnosis.

Dementia related safety concerns.

Falls are the leading cause of injury in the United States for the elderly.

Memory disorders increase risk of unsafe driving.

Dr. Edwards discusses how to have a conversation about driving with dementia.

Driving evaluation is conducted to determine if it is safe for one to continue driving.

Indicators of risk and strategies for wandering.

Memory loss increases the risk of being a victim of fraud.

Understand the importance of firearm safety and strategies to reduce risk.

Memory impairments increase risk of engaging in fire-risky behavior.

Proper communication with someone with a memory disorder.

Learn about the different technology available to assist those aging in place.

Memory disorders can cause a low tolerance for lively settings.

Engagement activities stimulate the brain and can lead to relaxation and satisfaction.

Loss of ability to carry out purposeful movements and gestures.

There are five different forms of aphasia based on an individuals symptoms.

Sundowning is a diagnosis but not a syndrome.

Identify the causes of agitation and aggression to help identify appropriate strategies.

More assistance is typically needed as memory and movement disorders advance.

The inability to control one's bladder and/or bowels.

Choosing high fiber foods can help reduce constipation.

Cognision can be useful in diagnosing cognitive disorders

Very common and treatable

Help determine if it is time for you or a loved one to move.

Communication and shared strategies can make day-to-day operations run more smoothly.

Explore the different care options to find what works best for you.

Live safely in the community while still receiving nursing home level care.

Steps to take before, during and after move-in.

Understand the new environment of a Long Term Care facility.

Learn about the services hospice provides for end-of-life care.

Dr. Edwards discuss end-of-life strategies.

Strategies to make end-of-life communication easier.