When I teach about mental health and aging, one of the most common questions I hear is: “Do GLP-1 medications like semaglutide (Ozempic, Wegovy) actually lower dementia risk?”  As a geropsychologist, I’m curious about this too, especially as more of my patients and the clinicians…

Imagine sitting across from an 82-year-old woman who has survived the death of her husband, two of her children, and now — a diagnosis that threatens to reshape everything she thought her final years would look like. She has never spoken to a therapist before.…

If you spend any time on social media, you have probably seen it — a well-meaning post, shared thousands of times, warning that caregivers are so depleted, so selflessly devoted, that they often die before the very people they are caring for. It is a…

Have you ever caught yourself lying awake at night thinking, “What if I get dementia and don’t even recognize my own children?” Or maybe you’ve had a health scare and found your mind immediately leaping forward — “This is just the beginning. It’s all downhill…

When an older loved one completes alcohol detox and enters a medical rehab program, families often feel a swirl of emotions: relief, hope, fear, and sometimes overwhelm. You may find yourself asking: How do we best support them right now? What’s really causing their symptoms—withdrawal,…

20-22%  of older adults live with a mental health condition such as depression, anxiety, substance use disorder, or a dementia-related disorder. Yet, the vast majority go undetected and untreated. Why? A complex web of misconceptions, systemic failures, and structural barriers keeps older adults from getting…

Studies show that people who participate in Medical Aid in Dying experience benefits primarily centered around the principles of autonomy, relief from suffering, and dignity. And of course, there can be psychological comfort in the form of peace of mind, even if they ultimately choose…

When it comes to end of life care, the focus is often on reducing physical suffering, as it should be. At the same time, there’s a profound opportunity for emotional and spiritual healing and growth. ​ This is where you come in. You have an…

In recent years, the concept of Death with Dignity (DWD) has gained increasing attention and acceptance in various parts of the world. As society grapples with end-of-life issues, mental health professionals play a crucial role in supporting patients who are considering this deeply personal decision.…

State-by-State Guide to Medical Aid in Dying Laws and Requirements Death with Dignity, also referred to as Medical Aid in Dying is an end-of-life option, governed by state legislation, that allows certain eligible individuals to legally request and obtain medications from their physician to end…

When working with people with terminal illness, you’ve no doubt heard:  “I don’t want to live like this anymore” “If Medical Aid in Dying isn’t available, I’ll find another way.” “I want help dying, but I don’t want people to think I killed myself.” “I…

Diving into the vast ocean of cognitive impairment in older adults can be challenging, especially when waves of denial or lack of awareness obstruct the view. As healthcare providers, we often find ourselves caught in the current, struggling to navigate these tumultuous waters. The aging…