Dr Liz Geriatrics

Dr Liz Geriatrics Geriatrician (MD) | Dementia Expert | Founder Dr Liz Geriatrics | Author | Speaker

The Dr Liz Geriatrics’ vision is to keep elders strong, healthy, independent, and connected with the community. The Dr Liz Geriatrics’ mission is to provide training, education and support to families and professionals in caring for the elders, as well as caring for ourselves.

Not all dementia is Alzheimer’s and Lewy Body Dementia can look very different.Imagine your loved one seems clear, engag...
09/07/2026

Not all dementia is Alzheimer’s and Lewy Body Dementia can look very different.

Imagine your loved one seems clear, engaged and like themselves one day… and then suddenly becomes confused, suspicious or begins seeing things that aren’t there.

Add tremors, stiffness or slowed movement, and it can become incredibly difficult for families to understand what is happening.

These can be signs of Lewy Body Dementia (LBD) a complex form of dementia that can share characteristics with both Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease.

Some important signs can include:

• Visual hallucinations
• Significant changes in alertness and thinking
• Confusion and paranoia
• Tremors or muscle stiffness
• Slower movement
• Dramatic changes from one day or even one part of the day to another

This unpredictability can make Lewy Body Dementia particularly challenging for families and caregivers. It can also make getting the correct diagnosis more complicated.

And that diagnosis matters. Certain medications used for other conditions may affect someone with Lewy Body Dementia differently, making knowledgeable medical care especially important.

If someone you love is experiencing unusual cognitive changes alongside hallucinations or movement problems, don’t simply assume it is normal ageing or even automatically assume it is Alzheimer’s.

Dr Liz explains Lewy Body Dementia, the symptoms families should recognise and why understanding the type of dementia matters.

Read: What Is Lewy Body Dementia?
https://drlizgeriatrics.com/dementia/what-is-lewy-body-dementia/

For more practical advice and support for families navigating dementia, visit www.drlizgeriatrics.com.

Does your doctor take pain management seriously? Some medical professionals believe that if a patient doesn’t complain a...
09/06/2026

Does your doctor take pain management seriously? Some medical professionals believe that if a patient doesn’t complain about pain, there is no pain.

Unfortunately, patients with dementia may not be able to identify the source of their distress. When those with dementia hurt, they may act out or they may become withdrawn.

It is a mistake to treat agitation from pain (such as distressing arthritis or muscular/skeletal pain) with a sedative like lorazepam (Ativan).

Find out more from our new book: Living in the Moment. A Guide to Overcoming Challenges and Finding Moments of Joy in Alzheimer’s Disease and Other Dementias.

Buy It Now: https://drlizgeriatrics.com/book/

Is it dementia… or could it be alcohol?It’s something many families don’t realize:Alcohol abuse can look just like demen...
09/05/2026

Is it dementia… or could it be alcohol?

It’s something many families don’t realize:
Alcohol abuse can look just like dementia.

Memory loss, confusion, mood changes, even behavior that seems like cognitive decline, can sometimes be linked to alcohol use, not permanent dementia.

That’s why an important rule is often overlooked: A diagnosis of dementia shouldn’t be made until an elder has been off alcohol for several months.

Not easy? Absolutely.
But with the right support from family, caregivers, or care facilities, I’ve seen elders reduce alcohol, regain clarity, and improve their overall health.

At the same time, dementia is common:
• About 10% of people over 65
• Up to 40% over 85
And many cases still go undiagnosed.

The most common types include:
• Alzheimer’s disease
• Vascular dementia
• Lewy Body and Frontotemporal dementia
• And others, including alcohol-related dementia

Early diagnosis matters.
It gives your loved one the chance to be involved in important decisions (financial, medical, and future care) while they still can.

And no matter the cause, one thing remains true: Staying active, engaged, and connected makes a real difference.

Have you ever questioned whether symptoms were something other than dementia? You’re not alone, share your thoughts below.

Learn more: www.drlizgeriatrics.com

“How long do we have?”It’s one of the first—and hardest—questions families ask after a dementia diagnosis.The truth? No ...
09/04/2026

“How long do we have?”
It’s one of the first—and hardest—questions families ask after a dementia diagnosis.

The truth? No one can predict exactly how dementia will progress.
Every person’s journey is different. Some live with mild symptoms for years, while others decline more quickly. And trying to fit every case into a neat timeline only creates more stress, guilt, and confusion.

What matters most isn’t the calendar—it’s focusing on quality of life, meaningful moments, and the right support at each stage.

in this article I bust the myth that you can predict dementia’s course—and share what families can do to navigate the uncertainty with more confidence and compassion.

Read more here: https://drlizgeriatrics.com/dementia/dementia-myth-no-1-you-can-predict-the-progress-of-dementia/

Caring for vulnerable elder can often lead to conflict," Dr. Liz shared in a recent response to a caregiver. "I find if ...
09/04/2026

Caring for vulnerable elder can often lead to conflict," Dr. Liz shared in a recent response to a caregiver. "I find if I focus on the needs of the elder it helps get through difficult situations. And if you did your best, that is all you can do."

Family tensions can run deep—especially when finances are involved. Differing opinions, emotions, and stress can make even the simplest decisions feel overwhelming. But when the focus shifts back to what’s truly best for your loved one, it can help cut through the conflict.

Have you faced family disagreements while caregiving? What helped you navigate tough conversations and refocus on your loved one’s needs? Drop your insights in the comments—your experience could be the guidance someone else needs.

Reach out to us at Dr Liz Geriatrics if you are interested in care consultation, we are here to help: www.drlizgeriatrics.com

When considering how to care for an older adult with dementia, be sure to consider the bigger picture. Hopefully, some o...
09/01/2026

When considering how to care for an older adult with dementia, be sure to consider the bigger picture. Hopefully, some of these issues will have been discussed before your loved one becomes severely impaired. In the best case scenario, you’ll have outlined these plans in documents such as an advanced directive, a living will or a medical power of attorney.

Yet many, if not most, families don’t have the luxury of time to plan ahead. It’s important for all concerned parties to sit and discuss your loved one’s care. The point is to ask what your loved one will want - not what you would want.

Think about their beliefs, values, the activities they love, their thoughts on death and dying, and who did they trust.

Dr Liz lists the questions you should ask yourself and other family members in her book LIVING IN THE MOMENT: Overcoming Challenges and Finding Moments of Joy in Alzheimer’s and other Dementias guide, it’s the What to Expect book for Dementia. This is a reference guide that needs to be in everyone’s library!

Click the link to find where you can get your copy. www.drlizgeriatrics.com/book/

Loneliness can make an older person vulnerable in ways we don’t always recognise.For an elder living alone, particularly...
08/31/2026

Loneliness can make an older person vulnerable in ways we don’t always recognise.

For an elder living alone, particularly someone experiencing memory loss or the early stages of dementia, a new friendship can feel wonderful.

Someone calls regularly. They listen. They offer companionship. They make the person feel important again.

But sometimes that attention comes with another motive.

Isolation can increase an older person’s vulnerability to financial abuse and exploitation.

Scammers and manipulative individuals may deliberately build trust before asking for money, gaining access to accounts or gradually involving themselves in financial decisions.

So what can families do?

* Stay connected. Regular calls and visits matter more than you may realise.

* Keep conversations open. Ask about new friends and what’s happening in their life without making it feel like an interrogation.

* Notice changes. New relationships, unusual purchases, unexplained withdrawals, requests for loans or sudden changes to financial arrangements deserve attention.

* Encourage community. Clubs, activities, family gatherings, neighbours and social groups can provide genuine connection and reduce loneliness.

And perhaps most importantly, don’t wait until something goes wrong to become involved.

Protecting an older loved one doesn’t mean taking away their independence. It means helping create a trusted circle of people around them so they remain connected, supported and less vulnerable to someone who may take advantage.

Have you experienced a situation where a new “friendship” raised concerns? You’re welcome to share your experience or questions below.

For more practical dementia and eldercare advice, visit www.drlizgeriatrics.com.

We’re here to help families find sound advice and practical solutions.

08/29/2026

Never too old to be a superhero.

Sometimes the best dementia therapy has four paws and a wagging tail. 🐾❤️Have you ever noticed how someone living with d...
08/28/2026

Sometimes the best dementia therapy has four paws and a wagging tail. 🐾❤️

Have you ever noticed how someone living with dementia can suddenly light up when a beloved pet walks into the room?

Animals have a wonderful way of connecting with us without needing words.

For someone living with dementia, simply spending time with a pet may provide comfort and companionship, encourage interaction and help ease feelings of anxiety, restlessness, loneliness or agitation.

A dog resting its head on a lap.
The gentle purr of a cat.
Stroking soft fur.
Or simply having a familiar little companion nearby.

These seemingly ordinary moments can become very special.

And sometimes, animals can reach a person in ways that we humans struggle to do.

Now we’d love to hear your story. 🐶🐱

Has a pet created a beautiful or memorable moment with someone you love who is living with dementia?

Share your story—and a photo of your furry companion—in the comments below. Let’s fill the comments with some of the joy, comfort and unconditional love our animals bring into our lives. 🐾

For more practical advice, education and support for families navigating dementia, visit www.drlizgeriatrics.com.

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Burlingame, CA
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