In Brief

Caregiver Stress Relief

Launi Whedon’s husband David was diagnosed at age 62 with primary progressive aphasia, a form of frontotemporal dementia.

“There is no cure, and the prognosis is grim, so I knew I needed ways to cope,” says Whedon, who participated in a research study that teaches caregiving skills.

The program, called LEAF — Life Enhancing Activities for Family Caregivers — began as a partnership between researchers at Northwestern University and University of California, San Francisco.

Though the initial study concluded, a self-guided online version of LEAF, leafstudy.ucsf.edu, is recruiting participants who are caregivers for individuals with Alzheimer’s disease.

The LEAF program teaches skills to help caregivers cope with the anxiety and depression that often accompany caregiving for someone with dementia. The sessions focus on specific techniques, such as practicing mindfulness and savoring positive events.

“The program is not about suppressing negative emotions but allowing caregivers to experience positive emotions alongside the negative ones,” says principal investigator Judith Moskowitz, professor of medical social sciences at Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine

Share
Published by
By Nancy Maes

Recent Posts

Walgreens Goes Private

What private equity ownership means for healthcare access and pharmacy services Fact checked by Ros…

2 days ago

Redefining Menopause

UIC menopause seminar featuring actress Halle Berry works to transform the conversation about women’s “personal…

1 month ago

Falling Fears

The factors that put older adults at risk for falls — and how to prevent…

2 months ago

Dental Care

Caring for older Americans’ teeth and gums is essential, but Medicare generally doesn’t cover that cost…

2 months ago

Winter Safety

Chicago doctor shares the best ways seniors can keep safe this winter Fact checked by…

3 months ago

Our Top 10 Stories of 2024

We're always curious at the end of the year to see which stories most resonated…

3 months ago

This website uses cookies.