When someone is living with both dementia and PTSD, their needs are complex—but support is still possible, and it can make a world of difference. In this episode, I share what I’ve learned as a geropsychologist working with older adults navigating both dementia and trauma.…

Can Unresolved Trauma Increase Dementia Risk? Trauma doesn’t just leave emotional scars—it can change the brain. And when post-traumatic stress goes untreated, the risk for dementia later in life rises. In this episode of my mental health and dementia series, I explore how trauma and…

  Last week, a therapist told me about her client, an 82-year-old woman who hadn’t had more than 6 hours of sleep in years. “It’s just part of getting older,” the woman sighed. But here’s the truth—fatigue isn’t a normal part of aging, and chronic…

Does moderate drinking increase dementia risk? Here’s what the science says—and what you can do to support brain health in later life. If you’ve ever been told that “a little wine is good for you,” you might want to hear what the latest science says—especially…

Anxiety Isn’t a Normal Part of Aging—It’s a Warning Sign — And When Left Untreated, It Increases Dementia Risk.   Anxiety increases dementia risk by 24% (about the same rate as diabetes) —but treatment for anxiety corrects this. Learn why early detection and treatment in…

The Hidden Link Between Depression and Dementia Every time I sit with a client and help them move through depression, I know I’m not just helping them feel better in the moment—I may also be protecting their brain years down the road. That’s not just…

If you’re committed to meeting the mental health needs of older adults, this episode is for you.   In 2024, we saw some incredible advancements in mental health research for older adults—insights that can shape how you practice and care for this underserved population.  …

Chrissy Thelker was 55 years old when she had her first stroke and was subsequently diagnosed with Vascular Dementia. With more and more people living with dementia, it’s imperative that we gain perspective and understanding of the lived experience of people living with dementia and…

Dementia is one of the most important, but often overlooked, health care issues related to older African Americans. In fact, research shows that African Americans are two to three times more likely to develop a dementia disorder (compared to European Americans) and at the same time are less likely to…

Aducanumab has been a hot topic in the field of dementia and Alzheimer’s disease. Aducanumab, also known as Aduhelm, is a new Alzheimer’s drug for people with Alzheimer’s disease in their early stages with mild cognitive impairment. With so many questions, it helps to have…

If you are just starting out with helping care for aging parents, you might be feeling overwhelmed and unsure of how to help. Not only are you flooded with loads of new information about medical conditions, you’re also experiencing complex family dynamics and your own…

Facts About Elder Financial Abuse & Exploitation One out of every 20 older adults in the U.S. is a victim of financial exploitation, losing an average of $80,000 to $186,000 (olderadultnestegg.com). The vast majority of elder financial abuse cases are most likely to be somebody the…