Caregiving Tips

Recovering Brain Health After a Stroke

Posted on by Manda Hufstedler

The incredible ability to adapt and recover after a stroke shows how resilient the brain is to injury. Neuroplasticity, or the brain's ability to create new connections and reorganize itself, plays a crucial role in recovering from a stroke. Some people experience extraordinary gains, especially during the first few months after a stroke when the brain may be especially responsive to therapy. But it is important to note that recovery can continue over time and may be helped by targeted rehabilitation, repeated practice, movement, healthy sleep, stress management, social connection, and overall brain-healthy habits. These are the same behaviors that help maintain brain health in individuals who have not had a stroke.

The acronym ‘BE FAST’ can help you recognize the signs of a stroke in yourself or a loved one:

  • Balance (loss of coordination)
  • Eyes (changes in vision)
  • Face (drooping features on one side)
  • Arms (weakness in a limb)
  • Speech (difficulty speaking)
  • Time (call 911 immediately)

To learn more, visit this link. For a more technical article on therapies after a stroke, visit this link.

August eblast_Recovering brain health after a stroke

Summer 2026 Newsletter

Posted on by Manda Hufstedler

The summer edition of the NC Registry for Brain Health newsletter highlights ways to keep your brain active and engaged all season through research opportunities, community events, and daily habits.

We're also celebrating our ninth anniversary and your contributions to the NC Registry for Brain Health. Thank you for being part of our community and for everything we have accomplished together!

Click here to view the full newsletter and join us on Facebook.

Caregiving by the Numbers – Part 2

Posted on by Manda Hufstedler

Last month, we provided you with the 2025 Caregiving in the U.S. Report statistics. This month, we share the North Carolina report. In our state, over a third (38%) of caregivers have been providing care for three or more years. Understandably, many caregivers feel unprepared and overwhelmed. This report highlights the importance of better access to caregiver resources, flexible work options, financial support, and easily accessible community services. Strengthening support for caregivers is vital to the health and well-being of families and communities. 

To read the North Carolina report, visit this link. 

Feb Eblast_Caregiving by the Numbers

The Two-Way Street of Caregiving

Posted on by Manda Hufstedler

A recent article reminds us that family caregivers experience feelings of chronic stress, exhaustion, and isolation. Recognizing caregiving as both meaningful and demanding can encourage caregivers to seek help and support. 

To read the article, visit this link. You can also access caregiver resources in North Carolina by visiting this link. 

Feb Eblast_Two-Way Street of Caregiving

Caregiving by the Numbers

Posted on by Manda Hufstedler

The 2025 Caregiving in the U.S. Report highlights the growing challenges faced by the nation's 53 million family caregivers, many of whom are supporting loved ones with complex medical, cognitive, and mobility needs. Nearly one in four Americans are caregivers, and in North Carolina, 60% of these caregivers are balancing the demands of providing care while working. The report also confirms what we have been reporting for some time: caregivers are providing more hours of care without enough support, experiencing higher levels of stress, increased financial strain, and declining physical and mental health. Enhancing support for caregivers is vital to the health and well-being of families and communities.

To learn more about this report, visit this link.

Jan Eblast_Caregiving by the Numbers

The Hidden Toll: Depression Among Dementia Caregivers

Posted on by Manda Hufstedler

Caregivers of people with dementia are at greater risk for depression. The National Health and Aging Trends Study (NHATS) and the National Study of Caregiving (NSOC), two research studies involving 526 people, recently identified some factors that may help lower caregivers' risk of depression. They found participating in caregiver training and having a partner, spouse, and friends to talk to lowered the risk of depression.

Experts highlight the importance of acknowledging the challenges that caregivers face and ensuring they have access to mental health support, respite care, and community resources.

To learn more about this research, visit this link.

The Duke Dementia Family Support Program provides tailored support for those caring for someone with dementia. This program is available to folks with or without a connection to Duke Health. To learn more, visit their website.

Nov Eblast_The hidden toll

Caregivers Know Best: Dementia Programs Beat “Usual Care”

Posted on by Manda Hufstedler

Dementia caregivers are asking for personalized help, and it works. New findings confirm that caregivers feel most supported when they receive resources and guidance tailored specifically to their situation and the unique challenges of dementia. Providing this focused support benefits both the caregiver's well-being and the person they care for.

To read the full article, visit this link. You can also read the full scientific article at this link.

Nov Eblast_Caregivers know best

Move Together, Heal Together

Posted on by Manda Hufstedler

Providing care for someone can be taxing both body and mind. But a recent AARP article offers encouraging evidence that physical activity isn’t just good medicine for those who receive care. Physical activity helps caregivers too. Simple, regular movement, such as walking, gentle strength exercises, or tai chi can uplift mood, sharpen cognition, reduce stress, and support independence. When caregivers join their family members or friends in physical activities, they build connection and mutual support, helping to stay strong and build resilience. It’s more than exercise—it’s a shared path to wellness that benefits everyone involved.

To read the full article on the benefits of exercise for care recipients and care partners, visit this link.

Oct Eblast_Move Together, Heal Together

Carving Out Space in the Midst of Caregiving

Posted on by Manda Hufstedler

If you’re caring for someone daily, you know life can feel like a never-ending ‘to-do list’, filled with appointments, medications, and unplanned crises. Peter Rosenberger's moving AARP essay reminds us that when caregiving squeezes life into the “micro,” the bigger picture, our values, and who we are can get lost. Rosenberger recommends building a perch – a small physical, mental, or spiritual space – where you can step away from the chaos. It might be a quiet moment, a walk, a favorite song, or a trusted friend who listens. These moments aren’t escapes; they’re essential reminders that life is more than just survival. In the midst of caregiving, you deserve time to just be.

To learn more about carving space out for yourself while caregiving, visit this link.

Oct Eblast_Carving Out Space in the Midst of Caregiving

Understanding Brain Health and Research Presentation from Dr. Welsh-Bohmer

Posted on by Manda Hufstedler

NC Registry for Brain Health's Dr. Kathleen Welsh-Bohmer gave a comprehensive presentation on clinical research and brain health to the Wake Country Public Libraries. Dr. Welsh-Bohmer provided an overview of clinical research, considerations for people interested in participating in research, and the types of research being done in dementia and brain health. This event was sponsored by the NC Registry for Brain Health, Alzheimer's Association, and Duke & UNC ADRC.

To watch the recording of the presentation, visit this link.