Isaac Health

From the clinic to home: FDA approves at-home Leqembi® injections

Karissa Dong — Thu, 04 Sep 2025 17:59:46 +0000

Reviewed by Joel Salinas, MD

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved a new way to take Leqembi® (lecanemab), a treatment for people in the early stages of Alzheimer’s disease. Until now, Leqembi has only been available through an intravenous (IV) infusion given at a clinic every two weeks. With the FDA’s latest approval, patients who have already completed 18 months of IV treatment will have the option to continue with a once-weekly injection at home using an autoinjector device called Leqembi® IQLIK, starting in October 2025.

This new option is designed to make Alzheimer’s treatment more convenient and easier to manage, without sacrificing treatment effectiveness.

Why this matters

For many families, getting to infusion centers regularly can be a major challenge. Travel, scheduling, and the time required for an IV infusion add up, especially for people living in areas with limited access to specialized care. Switching to a simple injection that can be given at home allows patients and families to reduce that burden while still receiving the same treatment benefits.

Studies show that the weekly injections work just as well as the IV infusions at helping slow the progression of cognitive decline. The most common side effects with the injection are mild, such as temporary redness or irritation at the injection site. Importantly, the risk of focal brain swelling or microbleeds (collectively known as amyloid-related imaging abnormalities, or ARIA), which is closely monitored with this treatment, appears to be about the same whether the drug is given by IV or by injection.

“Due to the reaccumulation of [Alzheimer’s disease] biomarkers and return to placebo rate of decline after therapy is stopped, maintenance treatment with once-weekly [injection] or once every four weeks of IV therapy offers patients options to continue slowing the disease progression and prolong the benefit of therapy, with the goal of helping patients maintain who they are for longer,” reads the announcement from biotechnology company Biogen.

What does this mean for you or your loved one?

If you or someone you care for is already receiving Leqembi® through IV infusions and has completed the initial 18-month course, you may now have the option to switch to the at-home injection form. That means fewer trips to the clinic, less time sitting through treatments, and more flexibility in day-to-day life.

For caregivers, this shift can also bring peace of mind. Instead of planning around infusion appointments, you may be able to give the injection at home once a week. The autoinjector is designed to be simple and quick to use, similar to devices used for other conditions like diabetes or rheumatoid arthritis.

It’s important to note that patients will still need ongoing check-ins with their healthcare team to monitor for side effects and ensure the treatment is working as expected. But the day-to-day management of treatment may become much less demanding.

In short, the approval of an at-home version of Leqembi® is an encouraging step forward in the fight against Alzheimer’s disease. For patients, it means a treatment that is easier to stick with over an extended period of time. For family members and caregivers, it means one less logistical challenge in an already demanding role. And for communities affected by Alzheimer’s disease, it signals progress toward treatments that not only slow the disease but also fit more seamlessly into daily life.

If you or a loved one is interested in learning more about treatments for Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias, Isaac Health’s clinicians are here to help. Reach out to us at (888) 818-2059 for a free virtual consultation.

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Breakthrough for brain health: What the landmark US POINTER study means for patients and families

Arifa Arif — Tue, 29 Jul 2025 06:55:01 +0000

A major study unveiled at the 2025 Alzheimer’s Association International Conference (AAIC) may mark a turning point in how we approach brain health and reducing dementia risk.

The US POINTER clinical trial, a large, randomized controlled study, found that a structured lifestyle intervention — including physical activity, nutrition, cognitive and social engagement, and cardiovascular health monitoring — led to greater improvement in global cognition over two years compared to a lower-intensity, self-guided version of the same intervention.

This is the most rigorous evidence to date that multidomain lifestyle changes can improve or help preserve cognitive function in older adults at risk for cognitive decline and dementia, including in diverse and at-risk populations.

Understanding the study results

The US POINTER trial enrolled 2,111 older adults at increased risk of cognitive decline, assigning them to one of two groups:

A structured intervention, which included supervised exercise, dietary counseling following the MIND diet, cognitive and social engagement activities, and regular health monitoring.
A self-guided group, which received similar recommendations but with less structure and fewer touchpoints.

Both groups improved cognitively over the two-year period, but the structured group demonstrated a greater improvement. Specifically, the structured group saw an average increase in global cognition of 0.243 standard deviations (SD) per year, compared to 0.213 SD per year in the self-guided group — a modest but statistically significant difference.

Notably, this benefit was consistent across key subgroups (including sex, race, genetic risk, and cardiometabolic health), a strong indicator that these strategies can be effective across diverse populations.

What this means for you and your loved ones

For years, we’ve known that what’s good for the heart is good for the brain. But until now, we lacked more definitive, controlled trial data in the U.S. to show how structured lifestyle programs might actually slow cognitive decline in older adults.

This study confirms that lifestyle and a proactive approach to health matters when it comes to brain health, and that structured support programs can amplify those benefits. For those living with memory or thinking concerns, trying to delay progression after a diagnosis of mild cognitive impairment (MCI), or aiming to protect themselves from developing Alzheimer’s disease and related disorders (ADRD), this study has demonstrated that there is in fact something you can do to increase the likelihood of preserving your brain function and independence.

Lifestyle changes are good – but doing it with support is better

A key takeaway from the US POINTER study is that structured support seems to make healthy lifestyle changes more effective than going it alone. That insight is at the core of what we’re building at Isaac Health.

In addition to providing guideline-based clinical care, we offer a virtual group-based lifestyle medicine program for patients and families — designed to complement, not replace, existing care plans. These programs mirror the same structured, evidence-based approach that made the POINTER trial so impactful, but are tailored to the unique needs of people living with or at risk for cognitive decline.

Each course is led by Dr. Nadir Bilici, MD, DiplBLM, an expert on our team who is board-certified in both neurology and lifestyle medicine. From movement and nutrition to stress management and sleep, Dr. Bilici helps patients take practical, science-backed steps to improve brain health — all from the convenience of home.

At Isaac Health, we believe promoting and supporting brain health don’t stop at diagnosis. That’s why we’re committed to turning cutting-edge research into actionable, accessible tools that empower patients and families to protect their brain health at every stage.

Source:

Baker LD, Espeland MA, Whitmer RA, et al. Structured vs Self-Guided Multidomain Lifestyle Interventions for Global Cognitive Function: The US POINTER Randomized Clinical Trial. JAMA. Published online July 28, 2025. doi:10.1001/jama.2025.12923

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One year into GUIDE: Reflections on a trailblazing dementia program that puts patients and caregivers at the center

Karissa Dong — Tue, 08 Jul 2025 12:00:00 +0000

By Julius Bruch, MD, PhD

When CMS launched the Guiding an Improved Dementia Experience (GUIDE) Model in July 2024, it marked a pivotal shift in how we approach dementia care in the U.S. GUIDE not only offered a national framework for dementia care management, but formally brought family caregivers into the fold, recognizing the often overlooked role they play in the care of their loved ones.

As Adam Healy and Liza Berger write in McKnights Home Care, “If there has been one singular public policy change in recent years that formally acknowledges family caregivers as part of the caregiving ecosystem, it is on the Medicare side [through GUIDE].” For the first time through GUIDE, Medicare is not only funding dementia-specific care coordination, but also covering in-home respite care (allowing unpaid caregivers to take a break from the 24/7 responsibility of caring for a loved one with dementia). It is a long-overdue acknowledgment of the emotional, physical, and financial strain caregivers carry, as well as an investment in their overall well-being.

Bringing GUIDE to life at Isaac Health

At Isaac Health, we’re proud to have been selected as a GUIDE Model participant from the start in July 2024. As a virtual brain health and dementia clinic that offers GUIDE to eligible participants, we’ve been at the forefront of providing expert care that meets people where they are. Over the past year, we’ve deployed the GUIDE Model across the country through partnerships with ACOs, home care agencies, and senior living organizations, and the results have been nothing short of remarkable.

Patients and caregivers enrolled in our program are able to see a dementia specialist within days — compared to the national average wait time of 36 months. Getting earlier access to care is just the beginning of the care journey. Through GUIDE, our patients and their families receive comprehensive care planning, ongoing care management, caregiver support services, and a 24/7 support line.

Across the complex care journey, each patient and caregiver is assigned a dedicated care navigator who becomes their point person and helps coordinate medical and behavioral health services. Care navigators are also responsible for ensuring that caregivers are connected to the right resources at the right time.

As one caregiver enrolled in our GUIDE Model program shared with us, “Caring for a spouse diagnosed with this disease was difficult doing it alone. Before Isaac Health, my life was all over the place and trying to manage services for my husband was taxing. It was difficult trying to manage the different appointments and keep track of the multiple things going on with his diagnosis and life. I felt like a ‘lost soul’ before Isaac.”

Patients enrolled in Isaac Health’s care program have also demonstrated a 38% reduction in ED visits and a 28% reduction in hospital days, underscoring the impact of comprehensive dementia care and support on health outcomes.

A growing crisis — and a roadmap forward

With over 7 million Americans living with dementia today — a number projected to rise to 13 million by 2050 — the U.S. is on the brink of a serious care crisis. Traditional systems of care, built around fragmented services and months-long wait times, are struggling to meet the moment today; based on the current trajectory, they are also ill-equipped to meet future needs of an aging population.

That’s where the GUIDE Model comes in. GUIDE offers a well-coordinated, comprehensive approach to dementia care — a blueprint for what comprehensive dementia care can and should look like. Crucially, it recognizes the invisible workforce behind dementia care: family caregivers. According to the Alzheimer’s Association 2025 Facts and Figures, nearly 12 million Americans provide unpaid care to someone with dementia, a contribution valued at over $413 billion. These care partners assist with everything from personal care (ADLs) to managing behavioral symptoms and coordinating services. But the toll is staggering: 59% report emotional stress as “high or very high,” and 44% experience clinical levels of anxiety—more than any other caregiving group.

This is why GUIDE’s investment in caregiver support services is a much-needed step forward that acknowledges that better outcomes for patients are only possible when we care for the caregivers, too.

A unified voice on Capitol Hill

Last month, I joined fellow GUIDE providers and advocates as part of the GUIDE Coalition organized by Manatt in Washington, D.C., for a series of meetings as part of a coalition organized to raise awareness about the program’s impact. We met with various members of Congress and their staff to share data, hear feedback, and discuss how to strengthen the GUIDE Model going forward. It was very reassuring to hear the great level of support the model seems to be getting from both sides of the aisle.

The GUIDE Model marks its first anniversary this month. While the program is still relatively young, its impact is certainly notable. It elevates a model of care that moves us beyond reactive, medical treatment and towards a more proactive, holistic, and person-centered approach. As GUIDE continues over the next seven years, our role as GUIDE providers is clear: build on this momentum and make sure every family impacted by dementia has access to the timely, compassionate care they need and deserve.

This article was also published as a guest column in McKnights Home Care.

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Isaac Health Joins New Caregiver Innovation Council to Drive Bold Solutions for America’s Caregivers

Karissa Dong — Thu, 19 Jun 2025 14:21:31 +0000

June 19, 2025, New York, NY – Isaac Health is proud to announce our participation as a founding member of the Caregiver Innovation Council, a new initiative launched by Caregiver Action Network (CAN) to spark breakthrough solutions for family caregivers across the U.S.

The Council includes 15 founding members from across health tech, caregiving services, and innovation sectors. Members will work together year-round to solve real problems facing family caregivers—culminating in an annual public summit that brings new ideas to the broader caregiving community.

“As a former family caregiver — and an early adopter of technology designed to support caregivers — I’m proud to serve on the Caregiver Action Network’s Innovation Council,” said Melissa Rowley, Co-Chair of the Council and Director of Payor Partnerships at Isaac Health. “Innovation is essential to empowering family caregivers, helping ensure they have access to the tools, resources, and care models they need to navigate the complex and often challenging caregiving journey.”

“Family caregivers are the invisible backbone of our healthcare system,” said Dr. Julius Bruch, CEO and co-founder of Isaac Health. “At Isaac Health, we believe that innovation and thoughtful collaboration are key to better supporting family caregivers of loved ones living with dementia. Through the Council, we’re honored to help drive this national effort to reimagine what’s possible for caregivers and the people they care for.”

The Council convened for the first time last week in Washington, D.C., during CAN’s annual Corporate Leadership Council meeting, launching with an Innovation Hackathon focused on tackling top caregiver pain points.

The group will continue collaborating through quarterly work sessions and shared initiatives, guided by five core values: collaboration, innovation, equity, empathy, and impact.

To see the full list of Caregiver Innovation Council members and learn more, click here.

About Isaac Health

Isaac Health is a scalable platform for brain health and dementia care. We partner with leading healthcare organizations to provide expert screening, assessment, treatment, and care management for people living with dementia and their family caregivers. Our mission is to ensure individuals and families get the high-quality care they need within days, not months. Visit www.myisaachealth.com to learn more.

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Isaac Health Achieves SOC 2 Compliance, Strengthening Its Commitment to Patient Data Security

Arifa Arif — Wed, 09 Apr 2025 12:00:00 +0000

April 9, 2025, New York, NY – Isaac Health, a national leader in brain health and dementia care, is pleased to announce the successful completion of its System and Organization Controls (SOC) 2 Type II audit, achieving compliance with the leading industry standards for customer data security. This achievement demonstrates Isaac Health’s ongoing commitment to providing a secure data environment for our customers.

“When it comes to dementia care, trust is everything,” said Dr. Julius Bruch, co-founder and CEO of Isaac Health. “Achieving SOC 2 compliance reflects our unwavering commitment to protecting sensitive data with the same level of care and precision that we bring to treating our patients.”

Developed by the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA), SOC 2 is the gold standard for evaluating data security, availability, integrity, confidentiality, and privacy. The rigorous audit, conducted by Johanson Group LLP, verified that Isaac Health’s security controls meet the leading industry benchmarks for healthcare data protection.

By achieving SOC 2 Type II compliance, Isaac Health assures patients, providers, and partners that their data is protected by rigorous, industry-leading security standards. This milestone reflects the company’s commitment to delivering exceptional brain health and dementia care while prioritizing the privacy and security of every individual they serve.

About Isaac Health

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The Power of Napping: How Afternoon Naps Can Help Your Brain

Arifa Arif — Tue, 11 Mar 2025 16:25:09 +0000

Ever feel that afternoon slump where your focus starts slipping and your energy dips? Instead of reaching for another cup of coffee, consider a power nap!

Napping can do wonders for your brain health, especially when done at the right time and for the right duration. Your brain is constantly processing new information, making connections, and managing emotions. Giving it a short break with a nap can actually enhance its ability to function. Here’s how:

1. Naps strengthen your memory. Short naps, around 10 to 30 minutes, can help solidify both factual knowledge (like remembering names) and procedural skills (like learning a new dance move). This happens because naps support the hippocampus—a key brain area responsible for memory formation—helping your brain retain what you’ve learned.
2. Naps can improve focus and reduce fatigue. Afternoon naps can restore your alertness and reduce mental fatigue. That’s because naps help rebalance important neurochemicals, such as acetylcholine and norepinephrine, which play an important role in focus and information processing. Synchronizing your nap with a single REM cycle — either keeping it brief (10–30 minutes) to avoid grogginess or extending it to around 90 minutes — can enhance alertness and cognitive function upon waking.
3. Naps help with stress and overall well-being. Napping can help regulate emotions. A short snooze can lower cortisol levels, the stress hormone, helping you feel calmer and more in control. Naps also support the prefrontal cortex, the part of your brain responsible for decision-making and impulse control, making it easier to handle daily stressors.

Napping well: what should I do?

To get the most out of your afternoon rest, the best window for napping is between 1 PM and 3 PM, when your body naturally experiences a slight energy dip. This aligns with your circadian rhythm and ensures that you wake up refreshed rather than groggy. On the other hand, napping too late in the day (after 4 PM) might interfere with your nighttime sleep.

For your afternoon naps, find a quiet, comfortable space. A cool, dark, and quiet room will allow you to fall asleep faster.

Backed by science

A study published in Sleep Medicine looked at how regular napping affects brain function. Researchers found that people who took naps regularly performed better on attention and reaction-time tests compared to those who didn’t nap. Interestingly, even without a nap, habitual nappers showed naturally higher levels of alertness in the afternoon. This means that if you nap consistently, your brain may adapt and stay sharper even when you don’t get the chance to snooze.

To sum it up, by taking short, well-timed naps, you can improve your memory and focus as well as reduce stress. So next time you’re feeling sluggish in the afternoon, consider closing your eyes for a few minutes — you might wake up feeling sharper and more refreshed.

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Isaac Health and Caregiving.com Partner to Support Dementia Family Caregivers Nationwide

Karissa Dong — Fri, 07 Mar 2025 14:00:31 +0000

New York, NY, March 7, 2025 — Isaac Health, a leading national provider of brain health and dementia care, is proud to announce a strategic partnership with Caregiving.com, a trusted platform for caregivers, to enhance support and resources for family caregivers across the nation through the CMS Guiding an Improved Dementia Experience (GUIDE) Model. This collaboration simplifies access to care and empowers caregivers with the tools they need to navigate the complexities of dementia care.

When caregivers notice signs of cognitive decline in a loved one, they often face an overwhelming and confusing journey. According to RAND, the national average wait time to see a dementia specialist is approximately 36 months—an exorbitant delay that only compounds their stress and challenges. It’s no surprise that, according to the Alzheimer’s Association, 70% of dementia caregivers report that coordinating care is stressful.

Through this partnership, Caregiving.com aims to proactively identify caregivers searching for dementia information and support and connect them to resources that can best assist their needs. Caregiving.com’s AI-powered platform will identify caregivers actively seeking dementia-related support and, when appropriate, partner with Isaac Health for specialized GUIDE services. Isaac Health will provide diagnosis, treatment, and ongoing care management for their loved ones, while Caregiving.com will offer caregiver training and support.

“At Isaac Health, we understand the immense responsibility that family caregivers bear. By teaming up with Caregiving.com, we’re not only providing clinical expertise but also ensuring caregivers are equipped with the resources and education they need to succeed,” said Julius Bruch, MD, PhD, Co-founder and CEO of Isaac Health. “We’re committed to addressing the unique challenges of dementia care in a holistic, caregiver-focused way.”

Isaac Health and Caregiving.com are actively expanding their network through Community Care Hubs, Area Agencies on Aging (AAA) nationwide. This ensures caregivers and their loved ones receive both high-quality clinical care and locally tailored support.

“Working with Isaac Health is a testament to our mission of empowering family caregivers with the resources they need,” said Mike Eidsaune, CEO of Caregiving.com. “By helping caregivers get connected to the right resources at Isaac Health, we’re ensuring they have access to both expert clinical care and the ongoing support necessary to navigate their dementia caregiving journey.”

About Isaac Health

About Caregiving.com

Caregiving.com is a trusted resource and community for family caregivers, offering information, support, and connection. Its AI-driven platform helps caregivers navigate the complexities of caregiving by providing expert resources, community support, and tools to help manage caregiving responsibilities.

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New Study Suggests Some Antidepressants May Worsen Cognitive Decline in Dementia

Arifa Arif — Wed, 05 Mar 2025 16:15:22 +0000

Reviewed by Joel Salinas, MD

A new study in BMC Medicine found that certain antidepressants — especially a group called SSRIs (like escitalopram, citalopram, and sertraline) — seem to be linked to faster memory and thinking problems in people living with dementia. This was an observational study that provided real-world information from many different patients, but it wasn’t a controlled experiment. Because of this, we can’t say for sure that antidepressants directly caused the increased decline.

Below, we’ll explore potential reasons for these findings, how to balance depression treatment with protecting brain function, and what these results could mean for those caring for someone with dementia.

Why certain antidepressants might be linked with faster cognitive decline

The study highlighted SSRIs like escitalopram, citalopram, and sertraline as possibly linked to faster cognitive decline. Scientists aren’t entirely sure why some antidepressants might make thinking and memory problems worse, but there are a few possibilities:

Changes in Brain Chemistry: SSRIs adjust levels of a brain chemical called serotonin. In a brain already affected by dementia, these changes might have unexpected consequences that speed up memory or thinking problems.
Anticholinergic Effects: Some antidepressants also block a different neurotransmitter called acetylcholine, which is very important for memory and learning. People with dementia are particularly vulnerable to problems if this action is further reduced.
Natural Dementia Progression: It could also be that those who needed stronger or more frequent antidepressants already had more severe dementia symptoms. Since this research wasn’t tightly controlled, we don’t know whether the medication or the advanced dementia (or both) caused the faster decline.

It’s difficult to parse exactly why SSRIs are linked to faster cognitive decline, because dementia isn’t the same for everyone. Factors like genetics, type of dementia, and other health conditions could make some individuals more sensitive to SSRIs. There are also limitations in the study itself. Because it’s difficult to tell who was given SSRIs and why in an observational study, researchers will need to conduct further, rigorous studies to know if SSRIs directly contribute to cognitive decline or if other factors are at play.

Balancing depression treatment and brain health

Untreated depression can itself worsen dementia by leading to social withdrawal, low motivation, and less mental stimulation. As such, avoiding antidepressants completely is not always recommended. Here are a few considerations:

Tailored Medication Choices. Healthcare providers can help select antidepressants that may carry fewer potential risks for making cognitive problems worse. Sometimes, this means trying different medications and tracking results carefully.
Non-Medication Approaches. In addition to — or sometimes instead of — antidepressants, techniques such as talk therapy, music therapy, light exercise, and social activities may help ease depression symptoms without risking more memory loss.
Regular Check-Ins. If an antidepressant is used, it’s essential to monitor both mood and thinking abilities. That way, healthcare providers can spot any negative changes and adjust treatment promptly.

What this means for healthcare providers

Healthcare providers may be even more cautious when prescribing antidepressants to people with dementia. We recommend always doing a thorough medication review. Reviewing all medications a person is taking — especially ones that can affect brain chemicals — can help reduce any harmful “pile-on” effect.

In certain cases, it may also be advantageous to use the lowest effective dose of depression medication. It’s possible that higher doses might carry a greater risk, while more moderate doses still offer benefits for mood without significantly increasing cognitive decline. More research is needed to understand the safest and most effective dose ranges.

What this means for patients and caregivers

It’s important to note that these findings are based on early evidence, and SSRIs have previously been found to be safe and provide a notable benefit in older adults, including those with dementia. One earlier study showed favorable outcomes for using SSRIs in older populations. Because of this, no one should stop or change their medication on their own. Abruptly stopping an antidepressant can lead to withdrawal symptoms and a sudden worsening of both mood and cognitive problems.

Patients living with dementia and depression may also benefit from incorporating brain health-friendly changes into their daily habits. Studies have shown that a healthy diet, exercise, and engaging social activities all play a vital role in supporting brain health. These measures can often be combined with medication to boost overall well-being.

Overall, this study shines a light on the need for more controlled trials to pin down exactly how antidepressants affect people with dementia. Supporting or participating in future research can help shape better care.

Final thoughts

Although these results warrant attention, they shouldn’t overshadow the fact that many people with dementia benefit significantly from antidepressants. If you have any concerns about medication use for yourself or a loved one, it’s best to speak with a healthcare provider — particularly a geriatrician, psychiatrist, or neurologist — who can advise you on your specific situation.

Isaac Health’s multidisciplinary team is also here to help. Our neurologists, psychiatrists, psychologists, and other dementia-trained specialists can help individuals with dementia get the support they need for both their mood and cognitive health. Call us at (888) 818-2059 today or book a free initial consultation.

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Caregiver Action Network Partners with Isaac Health and Carallel to Support Dementia Caregivers through GUIDE Model

Arifa Arif — Wed, 26 Feb 2025 14:00:46 +0000

WASHINGTON D.C., February 26, 2025 — The Caregiver Action Network (CAN), the nation’s leading organization supporting family caregivers, is proud to announce a partnership with Isaac Health, a national leader in dementia care, and Carallel, a leader in training, educating and providing care navigation for family caregivers. Together, they will provide comprehensive assistance to individuals with dementia and their caregivers through the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services’ Guiding an Improved Dementia Experience (GUIDE) Model.

The need for this collaboration is pressing. According to RAND, the national average wait time to see a dementia specialist is 36 months, leaving caregivers and family members to manage their loved ones for years without critical guidance or support. Demand will only grow over time: A recent article in Nature projected the number of Americans with dementia will reach 1 million by 2060, nearly double the number of cases in 2020. This partnership aims to address these gaps in care by ensuring timely access to specialized resources and services.

“Family caregivers are the backbone of dementia care, yet they often bear the burden alone,” said Marvell Adams Jr., CEO of Caregiver Action Network. “By teaming up with Isaac Health and Carallel, we’re stepping up to ensure dementia caregivers have access to the tools, training, and guidance they need to navigate this challenging journey.”

Through this program, individuals and families will gain access to much-needed care, support, and resources. Isaac Health’s specialized brain health doctors will provide comprehensive assessments and personalized care planning, leveraging their expertise to help patients and caregivers navigate the complexities of dementia care. Carallel’s certified Care Advocates, who run CAN’s Caregiver Help Desk, will provide essential caregiver training, education, and care navigation services. These credentialed experts, trained in fields like social work and end-of-life care, are all Certified Dementia Practitioners, making them well-equipped for this critical role.

“We’re building a network of care that puts dementia patients and their caregivers first, ensuring they receive the respect, care, and assistance they deserve,” said Julius Buch, MD, PhD, CEO of Isaac Health. “We believe this collaboration with CAN and Carallel exemplifies what the GUIDE Model is all about — putting caregivers and their loved ones front and center while improving health outcomes.”

Shara Cohen, CEO of Carallel, added, “Dementia caregivers face uniquely high risk of stress, burnout and related health issues. We are pleased to see them get the attention and support they deserve through the GUIDE Model, and we look forward to working with Isaac Health’s expert doctors to improve the lives of dementia caregivers and those in their care.”

This partnership represents a significant step toward improving the lives of people living with dementia and their caregivers nationwide. For more information on the GUIDE Model and this partnership, please visit www.caregiveraction.org/guide/.

About Caregiver Action Network (CAN)

Caregiver Action Network (www.CaregiverAction.org) is the nation’s leading family caregiver organization working to improve the quality of life for more than 90 million Americans who care for loved ones with chronic conditions, disabilities, disease or who are meeting the living needs of older adults. CAN serves a broad spectrum of family caregivers ranging from the parents of children with significant health needs to the families and friends of wounded soldiers, from a young couple dealing with a diagnosis of MS to adult children caring for parents with Alzheimer’s disease. CAN reaches caregivers on multiple platforms. CAN (the National Family Caregivers Association) is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization providing education, peer support, and resources to family caregivers across the country free of charge.

About Carallel

Carallel uses personal connection, expert guidance and digital tools to identify and empower caregivers so they can confidently manage the twists and turns of caregiving. Carallel partners with healthcare organizations, including a dozen leading payers, aiming to achieve better outcomes and employers striving to retain employees and improve life/work balance. The company’s proven, holistic approach to caregiver support resonates with caregivers, earning Carallel an overall Customer Satisfaction Score of 96% and a Net Promoter Score of 80. In 2024, Carallel received the Healthcare Insurance Innovation Award from the MedTech Breakthrough Awards Program. Learn more at www.carallel.com.

About Isaac Health

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Not Getting Enough Sleep? Here’s How to Improve Rest and Boost Brain Health

Arifa Arif — Sat, 15 Feb 2025 13:15:58 +0000

We often think of sleep as a time of rest, but for the brain, it’s a period of essential maintenance. While we sleep, our brain clears out toxins, consolidates memories, and regulates emotions—all of which are important for long-term cognitive health. Consistently poor sleep can increase the risk of cognitive decline. Fortunately, there are a number of ways in which you can improve your sleep quality and improve overall brain health.

What are some bedtime habits for better sleep?

Here are five science-backed habits to optimize your nighttime routine:

1. Journaling before bed

Instead of just writing a gratitude list, try a “mental download” journal before bed. Taking five minutes to jot down nagging thoughts, unfinished to-dos, or worries can decrease nighttime rumination and prevent stress from affecting your sleep.

2. Breathing exercises

Breathing exercises can help with relaxation. The cyclic sigh—a deep inhale through the nose, a quick top-off inhale, and a long, controlled exhale—quickly calms the nervous system. It activates the parasympathetic nervous system (the “rest and digest” mode), which might make it easier to fall asleep.

3. Reduced light exposure

Avoiding blue light is common advice, but a proactive approach involves exposing yourself to dim, warm light (like candlelight or Himalayan salt lamps) about an hour before bed. This signals to your brain that it’s time to wind down, naturally boosting melatonin production.

4. Consistent sleeping schedule

A regular bedtime and wake-up schedule stabilizes your circadian rhythm, leading to better sleep quality. However, if you wake up gasping for air or snore loudly, you may have obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), which can limit time spent in deep sleep. Treating OSA is vital for brain health.

5. Mindful body scans

Traditional body scans aid relaxation, but directing attention specifically to your hands and feet reduces overactivity in the brain’s default mode network, which is responsible for mind-wandering. This shift helps transition your brain from problem-solving mode to sleep mode.

Do daytime naps help?

Napping can enhance memory, alertness, and emotional regulation. Short naps (10–30 minutes) help consolidate memories, improve retention of information, and improve focus by rebalancing neurochemicals like acetylcholine and norepinephrine. Naps also regulate stress by lowering cortisol levels and supporting decision-making.

The best time to nap is between 1 PM and 3 PM, aligning with the body’s natural circadian dip. (Napping too late in the day can interfere with nighttime sleep quality.) Studies have shown that regular nappers tend to have better cognitive function, faster reaction times, and improved overall brain health.

Sleeping well is important

Quality sleep and well-timed naps are powerful tools for maintaining brain health and reducing risk of cognitive decline. If you struggle with sleep disturbances, addressing these issues early on can have profound effects on both daily life and long-term cognitive function.

Looking to improve your sleep or learn more about your brain health? At Isaac Health, we provide expert guidance on cognitive wellness and dementia prevention. Contact us to learn more about how we can help support your cognitive health.

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