“What we’ve been trying to do more and more is say, okay, what is it that makes some caregivers thrive quite well and others have a harder time? ~ Dr. Christopher FagundesWelcome to another episode of Life Happens with Kim Hegwood, the show where Texans learn how to protect their Legacy and navigate the unique challenges of the second half of life. In this week’s episode, Kim is joined by Dr. Christopher Fagundes, who leads Project Reach—one of the first U.S. studies to track caregiver Stress in real time using cutting-edge wearable devices and smartphone surveys.Together, they explore what this groundbreaking real-time data is revealing about the daily struggles and Health impacts faced by caregivers of individuals with dementia, and how Technology is shaping more personalized support and interventions. From discovering the true burden of loneliness to understanding the powerful effects of individualized in-the-moment insights, this conversation provides hope, practical advice, and a glimpse into the future of caregiver support. Whether you’re a caregiver, a Family member, or just interested in the intersection of health and technology, you won’t want to miss these timely insights.How to Contact Dr. Christopher Fagundes: https://bmed.rice.edu/https://profiles.rice.edu/faculty/christopher-p-fagundes Email: [email protected] Phone #: 713-348-2468713-348-8126Bio:Dr. Christopher Fagundes has dedicated his research to understanding the impact of chronic stress on caregivers, particularly those caring for spouses with dementia. Early on, he and his team explored how the ongoing burden of Caregiving could affect the body’s major systems, including cardiovascular and immune function. Through regular assessments, they asked caregivers to reflect on recent stress levels, but soon realized the ever-changing nature of caregiving. Conversations revealed that the experience is defined by rapid, in-the-moment emotional shifts—one moment feeling in control, and the next overwhelmed. This insight has shaped Dr. Fagundes’ commitment to capturing the dynamic, moment-to-moment realities caregivers face, emphasizing the complex interplay between psychological stress and physical health.Project REACHOur National Institutes of Health- funded study, Project Reach, is dedicated to understanding and improving the quality of life for individuals caring for a spouse with dementia. The insights we gain will directly inform the development of treatments designed to enhance caregiver health and well-being.The study is conducted through Rice university with the option of home visits to ensure participation is as convenient as possible for caregivers. We are proud to collaborate with Amazing Place, CarePartners, and Balyor College of Medicine, uniting our efforts to generate evidence- based data on the experiences and health of caregivers.Together, our goal is to develop meaningful, research-driven solutions that enhance support for the caregiving community._______________________________________________________________Contact Kim Hegwood- Elder Law AttorneyWebsite: https://yourlegacylegalcare.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/yourlegacylegalcare/Facebook –https://www.facebook.com/YourLegacyLegalCareLinkedIn-https://www.linkedin.com/company/yourlegacylegalcare/YouTube- https://www.youtube.com/@yourlegacylegalcareYour Legacy Legal Care 1150 Clear Lake City Blvd., Suite 100 Houston, TX 77062 (281) 218-0880
