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

Serotonin Syndrome

Mental Health and Behavior, Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI)

Combination of different drugs can increase risk.

Managing Activities of Daily Living

Safety and Strategies

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

Long Term Care Move-In Checklist

Long Term Planning

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

Incontinence in Older Adults

Safety and Strategies

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

Sources of Caregiver Stress

Caregiver Stress

Identifying the source of your stress.

Assisted Living, Memory Care, and Skilled Nursing Facilities

Long Term Planning

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

Hospice and Palliative Care

Long Term Planning

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

Strategies to Reduce Caregiver Stress

Caregiver Stress

Brainstorm solutions with family to reduce caregiver stress.

End-of-Life Communication

Long Term Planning

Strategies to make end-of-life communication easier.

End of Life Strategies

Long Term Planning

Dr. Edwards discuss end-of-life strategies.

The Role of Caregiver

Caregiver Stress

Dr. Edwards explores stages of caregiving at Matthews Glen

Parkinson’s Disease Overview

Parkinson's Disease

Second most common brain disorder behind Alzheimer's Disease.

Memory Disorders – Overview

Dementia

Understand the basics of a dementia diagnosis.

Movement Disorders-Overview

Parkinson's Disease, Parkinson's Plus Syndromes

Movement disorders focus on abnormal movements.

Dementia – Overview

Dementia

Cognitive impairment symptoms relate to dementia.

Managing Parkinson’s Disease

Parkinson's Disease, Parkinson's Plus Syndromes

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

Alzheimer’s Disease

Dementia

Most common type of dementia.

Parkinson’s Disease and Motor Signs

Parkinson's Disease

Dr. Iyer explains the motor signs of PD.

Vascular Dementia

Dementia

Second most common type of dementia.

Parkinson’s Disease and Non-Motor Signs

Parkinson's Disease, Parkinson's Plus Syndromes

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

Parkinson’s Disease Treatment Overview

Parkinson's Disease

Motor symptoms are treated by replacing dopamine.

Advanced Treatments For Parkinson’s Disease

Parkinson's Disease

Advanced treatments that address symptoms that normal medications may not.

Autonomic Abnormalities in Parkinson’s Disease

Parkinson's Disease, Parkinson's Plus Syndromes

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

Orthostatic Hypotension

Parkinson's Disease, Parkinson's Plus Syndromes

Changing position causes a drop in blood pressure.

Strategies for Brain Health

Aging and Brain Health

Exercise, sleep and diet

Parkinson’s Disease Dementia

Dementia

This form of dementia is also known as Lewy Body dementia.

Impulse Control Disorders

Parkinson's Disease, Parkinson's Plus Syndromes

ICD is possible while being treated with dopamine agonists.

Frontotemporal Dementia (FTD)

Dementia

Accounts for less than 5% of all dementias.

Parkinson’s Disease Dementia

Parkinson's Disease

Also known as Lewy Body Dementia

Korsakoff Syndrome

Dementia

Memory disorder due to the lack of thiamine.

Drug Induced Movement Disorders

Parkinson's Disease, Parkinson's Plus Syndromes

Many therapeutic medicines and illicit drugs can cause movement disorders.

Achieving Goals and Establishing Healthy Habits

Aging and Brain Health

One step at a time

Normal Pressure Hydrocephalus (NPH)

Dementia

Excess spinal fluid collect in ventricles, causing symptoms.

Constipation

Parkinson's Disease

Choosing high fiber foods can help reduce constipation.

Mediterranean Diet

Aging and Brain Health

A plant-based diet that reduces risk of chronic diseases

Normal Cognitive Aging

Aging and Brain Health

Learn to recognize normal changes.

Global Deterioration Scale

Dementia

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

Vitamin D

Aging and Brain Health

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

Cognision

Dementia

Quick and accurate measure of the brains cognitive function.

Vitamin B12

Aging and Brain Health

Helps nerve cells communicate with each other

Apraxia

Dementia

Loss of ability to carry out purposeful movements and gestures.

Risk Factors for Memory Loss

Aging and Brain Health

There are factors you can control.

Hydration

Aging and Brain Health

Water is the body’s power source

Aphasia

Dementia

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

Alcohol and Aging

Aging and Brain Health

Alcohol impacts the brain differently as we age

Memory Medications

Dementia

Medications can help slow progression of memory related symptoms.

Sleep Disorders in Parkinson’s Disease

Mental Health and Behavior

Sleep Disorders are very common with Parkinson's Disease.

Exercise

Aging and Brain Health

Benefits for brain and body

Sleep Hygiene

Aging and Brain Health

Sleep allows time for the brain to rest and repair.

Hearing

Aging and Brain Health

Very common and treatable

Depression and Anxiety in Parkinson’s Disease

Mental Health and Behavior

Depression and Anxiety are common with Parkinson's Disease.

Kynmobi

Parkinson's Disease, Parkinson's Plus Syndromes

Detailed instructions for use

Parkinson’s Plus Syndromes

Parkinson's Plus Syndromes

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

Inbrija

Parkinson's Disease, Parkinson's Plus Syndromes

Detailed instructions for use

Firearms and Depression

Mental Health and Behavior

Remove firearms before there is a major concern.

Parkinson’s Disease Diary

Parkinson's Disease, Parkinson's Plus Syndromes

Keeping a symptom diary helps fine-tune your treatment

Suicide Prevention

Mental Health and Behavior

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

Mild Cognitive Impairment Overview

Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI)

A noticeable but mild decline in memory or thinking skills.

Delusions and Hallucinations

Mental Health and Behavior

Delusions and Hallucinations are classified as psychoses.

Falls

Safety and Strategies

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

Agitation and Aggression

Dementia

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

Sundowning

Dementia

Sundowning is a diagnosis but not a syndrome.

Wandering

Dementia, Safety and Strategies

Indicators of risk and strategies for wandering.

Preventing Scams

Dementia, Safety and Strategies

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

Delirium

Mental Health and Behavior

Mental disturbance causing confused thinking and disturbed attention.

Navigating Quarantine with a Loved One

Safety and Strategies

Considerations at home or long term care

Firearm Safety

Dementia, Safety and Strategies

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

PACE

Long Term Planning

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

Driving and Dementia

Dementia, Safety and Strategies

Memory disorders increase risk of unsafe driving.

Parkinson’s Disease Dementia

Parkinson's Plus Syndromes

Also known as Lewy body dementia

Driving Conversation

Dementia, Safety and Strategies

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

Memory Medications

Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI)

Medications can ease symptoms and slow progression

Hospice and Palliative Care

Long Term Planning

Compassionate care and guidance during end-of-life period

Cognision

Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI)

Cognision can be useful in diagnosing cognitive disorders

Driving Evaluation

Safety and Strategies

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

Safety Overview

Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI), Safety and Strategies

Dementia related safety concerns.

Fire Safety

Dementia, Safety and Strategies

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

Caregiver Stress Overview

Caregiver Stress

Caregiver stress is very common.

Medication Safety

Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI), Safety and Strategies

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

Communication Do’s and Don’ts

Dementia

Proper communication with someone with a memory disorder.

Anxiety

Mental Health and Behavior, Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI)

Understand anxiety to better understand our own behavior.

SSRI-SNRI

Mental Health and Behavior, Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI)

Serotonin and Norepinephrine influence many brain related functions.

Devices and Technology

Dementia

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

Independent Living

Long Term Planning

Independent living around the Charlotte area.

Sleep Hygiene

Mental Health and Behavior, Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI)

Sleep allows time for the brain to rest and repair.

Holidays and Events

Dementia, Safety and Strategies

Memory disorders can cause a low tolerance for lively settings.

Home Care

Long Term Planning

Explore the different forms of home care available.

Advance Care Planning

Long Term Planning

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

Engagement Activities

Dementia

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

Coming Closer

Caregiver Stress

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

When Is It Time To Move?

Long Term Planning

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

Navigating Long Term Care

Long Term Planning

Understand the new environment of a Long Term Care facility.