Dr Liz Blog
Connected Horse: Sparking Joy in those with Dementia
As a geriatrician doing house calls and specializing in working through difficult situations, one of my core messages to families is that people with dementia can still have meaningful lives. Dementia can be challenging…
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A Will Is Not Enough
In America, we don't like talking about mortality. Nor do we like planning for it. About 60 percent of us die without a will. This is a tragedy. Lack of planning can lead to all…
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Vaccines Can Save Your Life
Nothing frustrates me more than all the controversy about vaccines. This tool, the vaccine, has saved uncounted millions from early and terrible deaths. I think many misunderstandings about vaccines have their roots in a…
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Planning is Key as Rural Hospitals Shutter
No matter where you are, caring for an elder with medical and cognitive issues can be challenging. It can be doubly difficult if you live in a rural area. One trend that hasn’t gotten…
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How to Keep Your Gut Healthy
Who knew that gut health could be such a hot topic? Constipation is perhaps the problem I see most often as I'm doing house calls for elders around the San Francisco Bay Area. I…
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Elder Agitation Not Always UTI
Your Elder is Anxious and Upset. A UTI Might Be to Blame As I emphasize daily, when an elder is agitated, the first thing to do is look for practical reasons. Very often, a…
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Hospice Is Not A “Death Sentence” But A Chance To Refocus
In my practice working with the families of those who are old and suffering from dementia, I have found that few things are more misunderstood than the concept of "hospice." Many folks seem to…
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Protect Your Loved Ones from Elder Abuse
Sadly, scammers and con men often diagnose early dementia and vulnerable adults better than most doctors and legal professionals. We all think that elder abuse happens to others: the mail order scams, the lotteries,…
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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 are…
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