Dr Liz Geriatrics
Blog
Keeping Nursing Homes Safe During A Pandemic
Adults aged 65 and older account for 16 percent of American adults, but 80 percent of deaths from COVID-19 and 40 percent of all COVID-related deaths have occurred in nursing homes. These statistics...
What Ails You? It Might be the Meds
Anyone who's become suddenly drowsy from too much cold medicine knows that medications sometimes have unwanted effects. About 6 percent of hospital admissions can be traced to what we doctors call...
Preventing Dementia, the Basics
The good news: We're living longer. The bad news: By the time we're in our 80s, about half of us will have some form of dementia. For most people, dementia is one of our greatest fears as we face...
New Study: Obesity Increases Risk of Dementia
In my career and personal life, I find myself repeating this message endlessly, "If you want to stay healthy—physically and mentally—make sure to keep your weight under control." You don't have to...
Elder Falls: Tips for Staying on Your Feet
When you're a kid, you can take a big tumble every day. You jump back up and dust yourself off. As we age, it gets more complicated. Balance and strength may falter as we get older. Our bones may...
Early Dementia: Balancing Independence and Safety
In many ways, the beginnings and early stages of dementia can be among the most challenging. Your loved one may not recognize subtle changes in his cognition. You may not be sure exactly when to...
Health Challenges for Mature Men
It's a new day! 50 is the new 30, and 80 the new 50. Men live longer, and the steps they take earlier in life can lead to better health and enjoyment of life as they age. Getting Old Is Rough on a...
Healthcare: The Truth about Supplements — Buyer Beware
These are scary times. No one wants to get sick during a pandemic. There are lots of recommendations out there on how to avoid COVID. Most are wrong. Alas, this is an old, old story. During the...
Healthcare: Working Safe in the Time of COVID-19
After months of lockdown, the resulting economic and political pressure has led many states and cities to start opening businesses back up again. While the desire to "get back to normal," is...
We’re All Stressed Out. Tips for Coping
These are uncertain times: a pandemic, an economic depression, civil unrest. So much to worry about! There's the constant anxiety about health: Those of us who work in healthcare face a much higher...
Horses Helping Seniors
It’s well known that horses offer therapeutic benefits. New research is showing how they can help people with dementia and their caregivers. Thinking back, Gloria Passarella estimates her husband,...
Hey Doc, I Just Heard About This New Miracle Pill/Supplement/Treatment…
There really isn’t a ‘miracle cure’ for dementia. Not yet. Will a supplement help? Probably not. Exercise, good nutrition and an active and happy life may make even more of an impact.
Trump Gets Perfect Score on Dementia Testing, Too Bad it’s Not the Right Test
As everyone now knows, President Trump went in for his official, annual medical exam, which included a test of his “capacity,” that is, a measure of his intellectual ability to manage his affairs...
Holidays when a loved one has dementia?
The holidays are coming. We all look forward to the feasts and family time. But what if you have a parent, elder or loved one who is struggling with the beginnings of dementia? What if you…
Fraud Alert: On the Phone
The Fraudsters are getting bolder. As an elder, you probably receive many unsolicited calls each day and someone is always trying to sell you something or in some way convince you to give them...
Managing Pain in Elders
By Elizabeth Landsverk, MD Older adults are more likely to experience pain than the general population but they may be less likely to be treated for it. The most common reason that pain in elders is...
The Dangers of Undiagnosed Dementia: A Doctor’s Story
Is knowing really worth it? BY CAROL BRADLEY BURSACK | 2.3.2017 Many people understandably wonder if there is any point in seeking an official diagnosis for Alzheimer’s disease or other types of...
Tips for Caring for Loved Ones with Dementia
By Elizabeth Landsverk, MD Someone in the United States develops dementia every 66 seconds. The diagnosis is devastating for those who have the disease and also imposes a crushing burden on their...
The Meds Matter: Adverse Drug Reactions
Adverse drug reactions are an all-too-common cause of hospitalization for elders. About half of Americans age 65 and older take five or more medications daily and many mix prescription and...
Elders and Intimacy: Who Chooses?
We focus a lot on care for older individuals; Are they eating? Are they moving their bowels? Do they walk? Are they agitated? But what about intimacy? What about romance? When is there risk for an...