BeCare Link

16/07/2025

𝐖𝐡𝐞𝐧 𝐝𝐨 𝐈 𝐧𝐞𝐞𝐝 𝐭𝐨 𝐜𝐡𝐚𝐧𝐠𝐞 𝐦𝐲 𝐌𝐒 𝐭𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐭𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭? Living with Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is a highly individualized experience, with treatment plans and decisions evolving over time based on disease progression, side effects, insurance coverage, and patient preference. With more than 25 FDA-approved Disease-Modifying Therapies (DMTs) now available, patients and neurologists face complex choices about when to switch therapies and what to expect from each option. The BeCare MS App helps support this process by enabling continuous monitoring of symptoms and disease activity, allowing patients and doctors to make more informed, timely decisions together. Empowering patients with data and insight, the app encourages shared decision-making and proactive care. https://becarelink.com/when-do-i-need-to-change-my-ms-treatment/

09/07/2025

🏌️‍♂️ 𝐋𝐢𝐯𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐍𝐞𝐚𝐫 𝐚 𝐆𝐨𝐥𝐟 𝐂𝐨𝐮𝐫𝐬𝐞 𝐌𝐚𝐲 𝐈𝐧𝐜𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐬𝐞 𝐏𝐚𝐫𝐤𝐢𝐧𝐬𝐨𝐧’𝐬 𝐑𝐢𝐬𝐤 – 𝐇𝐞𝐫𝐞’𝐬 𝐖𝐡𝐲

We often think of golf as a healthy pastime—but living near a golf course might not be so benign. A new study in JAMA Network Open found that people who live within a mile of a golf course have a 126% increased risk of developing Parkinson’s disease, potentially due to pesticide exposure.

Risk grows with proximity and is highest near courses with vulnerable groundwater. U.S. courses tend to use up to 15x more pesticides than those in Europe, raising concerns about airborne and drinking water contamination.

👉 This brings new urgency to understanding environmental risks behind neurodegenerative disease—and tools like the BeCare Parkinson’s app can help you detect early symptoms and track your treatment progress.

💡 If you live near a golf course, consider taking charge of your neurological health today.


https://becarelink.com/𝐋𝐢𝐯𝐢𝐧𝐠-𝐍𝐞𝐚𝐫-𝐚-𝐆𝐨𝐥𝐟-𝐂/

30/06/2025

𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐧𝐞𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐛𝐞𝐭𝐰𝐞𝐞𝐧 𝐌𝐒 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐌𝐚𝐠𝐧𝐞𝐬𝐢𝐮𝐦

Magnesium plays a bigger role in MS than many realize—not only is it essential for Vitamin D metabolism (which impacts MS risk), but it also supports nerve and muscle function directly. Low magnesium levels can worsen existing MS symptoms and mimic new flares. While more research is needed, some studies suggest magnesium may help preserve myelin and reduce relapses. The BeCare MS App can help track changes in your neurologic function so you and your clinician can take early, informed steps—like considering magnesium supplementation when appropriate.

It is common knowledge that low Vitamin D levels can increase the risk of developing MS. What is less commonly known is that Magnesium can cause a double whammy: both an increased risk for developing MS and increased symptoms from existing damage because of altered Magnesium levels. The roles of Vit...

25/06/2025

Pleased to share that our Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Charisse Litchman's presentation “AI-Enhanced Mobile App for Early Detection of Cognitive Impairment” is now available on Vumedi!

Early cognitive decline can be difficult to detect. This talk highlights how AI-powered tools like the BeCare Neuro App are helping clinicians identify subtle changes sooner, enabling earlier and more targeted interventions.

Thank you to the Vumedi team for the opportunity to spotlight this important work.

Watch here: https://www.vumedi.com/video/ai-enhanced-mobile-app-for-early-detection-of-cognitive-impairment/?token=c134793c-2f19-4090-aec0-9b221c2ac4cf&link_data=eyJiZXRfbWFpbF9pdGVtX2lkIjo0MTU5NDgwMTUsImJldF9tYWlsX2FjdGlvbiI6ImJjIn0%3A1uTIeW%3AzVbGs8NnBPzZM2uWMLAV1CVwMB31GRkL4998XR1vX04

11/06/2025

𝐆𝐞𝐭𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐬𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐠𝐥𝐞𝐬 𝐯𝐚𝐜𝐜𝐢𝐧𝐞 𝐦𝐚𝐲 𝐫𝐞𝐝𝐮𝐜𝐞 𝐲𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐫𝐢𝐬𝐤 𝐨𝐟 𝐝𝐞𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐢𝐚
Shingles occurs in about 1 million Americans each year. Approximately one in three people experience it at some point during their life, more commonly after the age of 50. Shingles occurs when the chickenpox virus that has been asleep in the nerve cells in the body for decades “wakes up”. It is generally expressed as a very painful blistering rash that is often heralded by burning or shooting pain, takes weeks to months to resolve and sometimes leaves skin scarring and nerve pain. The only Shingles vaccine available, called Shyngrix, is 97 percent effective in preventing shingles.

One recent exciting discovery reported in a study conducted in Wales and published in Nature was that Shyngrix reduced the probability of a developing new dementia by 20%. This suggests that the shingles vaccination has the potential to confer long-lasting protection against cognitive decline. A second Australian study revealed similar results and suggested a causal rather than associational effect. Other vaccinations and health conditions analyzed did not confer this benefit.

This important finding supports the notion that brain health is interrelated with general health. Viruses and conditions like diabetes and high lipids impact the brain as well as the cardiovascular system and other body systems. The changes that a person can make in their lifestyle, diet and exercise which can improve brain health can be even more impactful when paired with medical advances such as vaccinations that protect us from dangerous diseases.

BeCareLink can help you by monitoring your brain health and giving you the tools to decide when you need to go for a formal evaluation for suspicion of cognitive decline or to track progress when a treatment is started.
https://becarelink.com/𝐆𝐞𝐭𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠-𝐭𝐡𝐞-𝐬𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐠𝐥/

06/06/2025

𝐖𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐜𝐚𝐮𝐬𝐞𝐬 𝐥𝐞𝐠 𝐰𝐞𝐚𝐤𝐧𝐞𝐬𝐬 𝐢𝐧 𝐌𝐒 𝐩𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐬?

Leg symptoms in MS are common, complex, and often misunderstood. Whether caused by nerve damage, fatigue, or muscle atrophy, these symptoms can severely impact mobility and quality of life. Understanding the root cause is key—what works for one patient may not help another. From medication to physical therapy and assistive devices, there are many ways to manage symptoms and regain independence. The BeCare MS app supports patients by tracking walking and balance—empowering smarter, personalized care decisions.
https://becarelink.com/what-causes-leg-weakness-in-ms-patients/

05/06/2025

🎉 𝐁𝐞𝐂𝐚𝐫𝐞𝐋𝐢𝐧𝐤 𝐡𝐚𝐬 𝐬𝐮𝐫𝐩𝐚𝐬𝐬𝐞𝐝 𝟐𝟎,𝟎𝟎𝟎 𝐫𝐞𝐠𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐞𝐝 𝐮𝐬𝐞𝐫𝐬!

This milestone reflects the growing trust in our platform and our commitment to empowering patients in managing their neurologic care. By delivering clinically validated, accessible tools, we’re bringing actionable insights directly to those who need them most.

Thank you to our users, partners, and supporters who continue to move this mission forward with us.

28/05/2025

𝐏𝐚𝐫𝐤𝐢𝐧𝐬𝐨𝐧’𝐬: 𝐖𝐡𝐲 𝐃𝐢𝐞𝐭 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐋𝐢𝐟𝐞𝐬𝐭𝐲𝐥𝐞 𝐌𝐚𝐭𝐭𝐞𝐫
While there’s no cure yet for Parkinson’s Disease, patients can take powerful steps today to slow its progression. A growing body of research highlights the gut-brain connection—suggesting diets rich in plant-based foods, probiotics, and lean protein may reduce inflammation and support brain health. Timing of meals, especially protein intake, can also impact medication effectiveness. At BeCare Parkinson’s, we’re helping patients track symptoms, optimize nutrition and treatment, and stay proactive in their care journey. Empowerment starts with awareness.

https://becarelink.com/𝐏𝐚𝐫𝐤𝐢𝐧𝐬𝐨𝐧𝐬-𝐖𝐡𝐲-𝐃𝐢/
Download on App Store: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/becare-parkinsons/id6739173694
Download on Google Play Store: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.becaremslink.becare.parkinson&pcampaignid=web_share

21/05/2025

𝐖𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐝𝐨 𝐌𝐒 𝐩𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐬 𝐝𝐢𝐞 𝐟𝐫𝐨𝐦?

While there is no cure for multiple sclerosis (MS) yet, many new treatments can help slow its progression, but medications alone are not enough. Most MS-related deaths result from preventable complications like cardiovascular disease, cancer, and infections rather than the disease itself. Factors such as physical inactivity, autonomic nervous system dysfunction, oxidative stress, and immune suppression increase the risk of stroke, respiratory failure, and serious infections. To improve both quality of life and longevity, MS patients should focus on overall health: managing chronic conditions, staying active, quitting smoking, and seeking timely care for infections. MS is not a death sentence; taking control of your broader health can help you live longer and better.

While there are many new treatments emerging that can stem progression of multiple sclerosis (MS), there is no cure. Disability typically increases over time, affecting ambulation and quality of life. MS patients have a shorter life expectancy (approximately 10 years shorter than the general populat...

16/05/2025

𝐃𝐨 𝐈 𝐍𝐞𝐞𝐝 𝐓𝐨 𝐓𝐚𝐤𝐞 𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐊𝐞𝐲𝐬 𝐀𝐰𝐚𝐲 𝐅𝐫𝐨𝐦 𝐌𝐲 𝐌𝐨𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐫?

It’s a decision more difficult than many expect and far more urgent. Nearly 20% of drivers over 80 have some degree of cognitive impairment, yet there’s no required screening when they renew their licenses. Combine that with declining vision and vision laws that vary wildly by state, and the road becomes a dangerous place. The risks are real: slower reaction times, poor judgment, and tragic accidents. But forcing the issue often backfires. That’s where tools like the BeCare Neuro Link app come in, providing objective, early detection of cognitive and visual changes that may signal unsafe driving. Because when safety is on the line, early insight can lead to better outcomes for everyone.

https://becarelink.com/do-i-need-to-take-the-keys-away-from-my-mother/

09/05/2025

𝐖𝐡𝐲 𝐃𝐨 𝐌𝐒 𝐏𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐬 𝐏𝐞𝐞 𝐒𝐨 𝐎𝐟𝐭𝐞𝐧?

Bladder problems plague 90 percent of MS patients. Some have to p*e frequently, some experience urine leakage, some have frequent UTI's, some have little warning before they have to go (urgency) and some can't get the urine stream started (hesitancy). Sometimes these symptoms are so limiting that it keeps patients from leaving their home.

The urinary problems stem from interruption of the messages sent from the brain and spinal cord to the bladder. The problem is compounded by poorer mobility making it difficult for MS patients to get to the bathroom in time. These issues need to be addressed in a timely fashion to avoid complications of infection and developing renal stones.

The amount of urinary dysfunction correlates with the degree of disability and often manifests 6-8 years after the diagnosis. There are treatments such as medications (anticholinergics), antibiotics, catheterization, Botox, electrical stimulation, pelvic floor exercises, and acupuncture.

BeCare MS can help by helping you track your disability to help you and physician optimize your MS treatment.

30/04/2025

While anyone can develop MS, there are certain groups and risk factors that increase the chance of developing MS.

1. S*x: Women are more than 3 times more likely to develop MS than men.

2. Age: The disease most commonly affects individuals between ages 55 and 64, though even children can develop MS.

3. Race: African Americans are more likely than white Americans to develop MS. Hispanic Americans and Asian Americans are less likely to develop MS than white Americans.

4. Geography: People living in North American and European Countries (living farther from the equator) are more likely to develop MS. Within the US, MS rates are higher in the northern half of the country. Decreased sunlight causes decreased vitamin D levels which increases the risk for MS.

5. Medical conditions: such as EBV infection and obesity during adolescence.

6. Lifestyle: Smoking and working nightshifts frequently.

7. Exposure: Organic solvents

8. Genetics: Genetic influences are not as straightforward as eye and color but more than 200 genes that have a small effect in increasing the risk of developing MS.

The BeCare MS App can help you assess yourself for neurologic abnormalities that may suggest you need to be evaluated by a specialist. If you have MS, the BeCare MS App can help you monitor your disease for progression and for response to MS treatments.

https://becarelink.com/who-is-most-likely-to-get-ms/