Care for specific medical conditions

Dementia is an umbrella term for various brain disorders. Those affected often problems with memory, language, orientation, and interacting with others. As the disease progresses, it becomes increasingly difficult to manage daily life on one's own. 

You can find all the information you need about dementia, including how to recognize it, how to treat it, and how to get support at:

Seeking help early on is especially important when it comes to dementia: Brochures and guides promote mutual understanding, make it easier to work together, and simplify the day-to-day realities of caregiving. The links below provide helpful resources for family members that offer information and practical assistance - whether in everyday life, with questions about the diagnosis, legal matters, or care. 

Family members can find more information, checklists, training opportunities, and support groups at the following link:

In ME/CFS, the brain and spinal cord are inflamed, which is why muscle pain occur. In addition, people with ME/CFS suffer from persistent, severe exhaustion and extreme fatigue.

ME/CFS is a severe, chronic condition. It is not diagnosed until the symptoms have persisted for a long time:

• in adults after 6 months
• in children and adolescents after 3 months

Those affected feel extremely exhausted and often find it difficult to recover. Rest does not alleviate the exhaustion. In medical terminology, such severe exhaustion is also known as "Fatigue". Fatigue associated with ME/CFS lasts at least 6 months. 

In addition, there is what is known as post-exertional malaise, or PEM for short: A typical feature of this condition is that symptoms worsen significantly after physical or mental exertion. However, the strain is often not immediately noticeable. Nevertheless, this can lead to a "crash"... A crash can lead to a permanent deterioration in one's health. That is why "pacing" so important: When it comes to pacing, people with this condition should structure their day so that they don’t reach their physical limits. The key here is clearly for them to manage their energy and maintain a stable state of health. The goal is not to eventually increase their performance again. 

Other possible symptoms of ME/CFS include, for example:

• concentration and Memory Problems
• sleep Disorders
• pain
• circulatory problems

The causes of ME/CFS are not yet fully understood. There is currently no cure for the disease. It often begins after a infection and is therefore considered one of the so-called post-acute infection syndromes, or PAIS for short: In such cases, symptoms either do not go away after an infection or reappear. Examples of such infections include the coronavirus and the flu. 

You can find more information about ME/CFS and PAIS on the following pages of the health portal:

Care guidelines for ME/CFS 

Depending on the severity of ME/CFS, individuals’ tolerance for stress varies. That is why it is important for family members and caregivers to be well-trained. Daily care for those with severe and very severe cases is characterized by short, low-stimulus activities. In addition, well-established routines and minimal, preferably silent communication are particularly important. 

On the website of the Austrian Society for ME/CFS, you will find a care guide developed by experts. This guide will help you prepare for the individual needs of people living with ME/CFS.

Parkinson's disease is a disease of the nervous system, which leads to movement disorders. As the disease progresses, people with Parkinson's find it increasingly difficult to control their movements. 

Common signs of Parkinson's disease:

• trembling
• slow movements
• muscle stiffness
• balance disorders

The disease usually progresses slowly and can make daily life increasingly difficult. It affects motor control, as well as mood, sleep, and thinking. 

Parkinson's disease is incurable. However, its symptoms can be managed with treatment. In addition to medication, physical therapy, occupational therapy, and speech therapy can help improve quality of life and maintain independence.

In more than one-third of those affected, Parkinson's disease is accompanied by dementia. The so-called Parkinson's dementia usually affects people with Parkinson's for the first time ages 70 and older. Typical symptoms of Parkinson's dementia include, for example, impairments in attention, behavior, orientation, or reaction time. 

You can find out how to encourage and support people with Parkinson's in their daily lives on the following page:

In these two brochures, you'll find more information about the disease and how you can best support people with Parkinson's in their daily lives:

At the following link, you will find Parkinson's Outpatient Clinics for diagnosis and treatment: 

A stroke can change the lives of those affected and their loved ones from one day to the next. Depending on the effects of the stroke, those affected may need assistance with daily activities or long-term care. Information and support services can help them better cope with their new situation.

You can find information about the disease in the following brochure, which was prepared by experts:

You can find all the information you need about stroke care in the following brochure, which is also available in plain language: