Category: Areas of Focus

Within the many areas of accessibility issues, we have designated eight primary areas of focus.

Different Types of Leukoencephalopathy

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  • Arteriolosclerotic Leucoencephalopathy in the Elderly (ALE) from the National Library of Medicine (NIH). ALE is characterized by white matter lesions associated with atherosclerosis and arteriolosclerosis. Mild lesions are focal and probably represent early status cribosus or incomplete lacunar infarcts.

    ALE is common in old age and is probably the cause of leuko-araiosis in most CT scans in the elderly. ALE may be asymptomatic. The severity of white matter changes may not be related to the severity of neurological deficit. Multiple lacunar infarcts or associated degenerative diseases (i.e., Alzheimer's disease) may be the main cause of dementia in patients with ALE.

  • "Leukoencephalopathy in Patients With Ischemic Stroke" by J. Bogousslavsky, M.D., F. Regli, M.D., and A. Uske, M.D. Stroke 1987 Sep-Oct;18(5):896-899. DOI: 10.1161/01.str.18.5.896. PMID: 3629648.
    Studies suggest that hypertension may be more strongly associated with leukoencephalopathy than with deep infarcts. In acute stroke patients, leukoencephalopathy on CT should not be considered a fortuitous finding. Published in the journal of the American Heart Association / American Stroke Association (AHA/ASA).
  • Leukoencephalopathy with Vanishing White Matter from the National Library of Medicine's MedLinePlus. Leukoencephalopathy with vanishing white matter is a genetic progressive disorder that mainly affects the brain and spinal cord (central nervous system). This disorder causes deterioration of the central nervous system's white matter, which consists of nerve fibers covered by myelin. Myelin is the fatty substance that insulates and protects nerves.
  • "Progressive multifocal leucoencephalopathy in an immunocompetent patient with favourable outcome. A case report." by Halvor Naess, Solveig Glad, Anette Storstein, Christine H Rinaldo, Sverre J Mørk, Kjell-Morten Myhr & Hans Hirsch . BMC Neurology, 18May2010.

May is Mental Health Awareness Month

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Banner for May is Mental Health Awareness Month

The "Reframing Language" infographic from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) was created in partnership with the National Family Support Technical Assistance Center (NFSTAC). The infographic is designed to inspire new thinking and change the way we talk about mental health and substance use to help us better support individuals and families who are affected by these challenges. Download the full infographic PDF file.

Thumbnail of header of the Reframing Language infographic for Mental Health.

SAMHSA is the agency within the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services that leads public health efforts to advance the behavioral health of the nation.

Spread Acceptance and Support for the People We Know and Love Who Are Experiencing Mental Health Challenges

When it comes to mental health, small actions equal big impact.

  • If you are worried about your mental health or are worried about someone you know, there are resources and people out there who are willing to help, no matter what your situation is.
  • Talking about mental health helps promote acceptance and encourages people to seek help.
  • Whether we share resources, encourage others to seek help, or simply are there for someone when they need us, we instill hope and can help others to reach out when they need to most.

Strategies for Managing Mental Health Such as Self-Care

Self-care is important for your mental health.

  • Despite life's stressors, there are many things that you can do to maintain positive mental health, including self-care.
  • Mental health is essential to your overall health and quality of life.
  • When you take care of yourself, your physical and emotional health improve; you become more resilient and can find ways to manage stress in a healthy and positive way.
  • Taking care of yourself is an essential part of your mental health.

Promote Acceptance and Compassion Surrounding Mental Illness

Language matters; let's work together to use person-first language and avoid derogatory terms.

We play a part in one another's mental wellness.

  • Language matters. The language we use to talk about mental health can either perpetuate prejudice and discrimination or promote acceptance and compassion. When it comes to mental health, words matter.
  • It is up to each of us to be a lifeline, sharing in a commitment to care for ourselves and for those around us.
  • When we use open and compassionate language around mental health issues, we empower ourselves and encourage others to find the help they need.

Encourage Individuals to Seek Help if They Need It

This includes the importance of supporting others by offering words of encouragement and celebrating small successes.

Let's support each other and make it okay to reach out and seek help whenever we need it.

  • Be aware of the signs and symptoms of mental health issues so that we can all work together to support one another.
  • If you are worried about your mental health or are worried about someone you know, there are resources and people out there who are willing to help, no matter what your situation is.
  • Whether we share resources, encourage others to seek help, or simply are there for someone when they need us, we can instill hope and can help others to reach out when they need it most.

Focus on Hope and Positivity and Support One Another by Sharing Key Resources

No matter the situation, there is always help and there is always hope.

  • Be aware of the signs and symptoms of mental health issues so that we can all work together to support one another.
  • If you are worried about your mental health or are worried about someone you know, there are resources and people out there who are willing to help, no matter what your situation is.
  • Whether we share resources, encourage others to seek help, or simply are there for someone when they need us, we can instill hope and can help others to reach out when they need it most.