Dr Liz Geriatrics

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.

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.

08/28/2026

“My mom’s more confused and agitated than usual, could it be a UTI?”
If you’re caring for someone with dementia, you’ve likely asked this question before.

It’s true that urinary tract infections (UTIs) can sometimes trigger agitation or confusion in older adults. But what many families don’t realize is this:

Not all agitation is caused by infection and antibiotics aren’t always the answer.

At Dr. Liz Geriatrics, we take a careful, individualized approach. Overprescribing antibiotics can do more harm than good, especially in someone with dementia.
It can lead to:

- Antibiotic resistance
- Worsening confusion
- Unnecessary side effects

Agitation in dementia is complex. It can come from pain, constipation, overstimulation, medication side effects or simply the progression of the disease.

Before jumping to antibiotics, it’s important to take a step back, look at the whole picture, and ask: What’s really going on?

Learn what to watch for and when antibiotics may not be the best first step:
https://drlizgeriatrics.com/dementia/medication/antibiotics-dont-always-treat-agitation/

08/26/2026

Lets talk about skin care for older people.

Elders have drier skin. They don't need to bathe every day except for the areas like down in the groin and the armpits that tend to get dirtier, quicker.

Use gentle soap such as Basis or Dove. I like to use Shea butter. You can get just Shea butter and you rub it on, it works almost like Carnauba, and will make the skin more supple. Elders are more likely to have skin tears. It's just kind of dry and flaky. So using shea butter if they have eczema, then using steroid cream can be helpful.

Using something like Gabapentin and Lyrica can decrease generalized itching and irritation. But don't use Benadryl or Atarax, those are going to make people more confused and agitated.

Look on our website for more information on medications and side effects at: https://www.drlizgeriatrics.com/resources/medications/

08/24/2026

All kinds of issues come to the fore as we age.

Since leaving academic medicine to follow my passion for clinical care, I have visited family after family and quickly realized that nothing was more devastating, nor more misunderstood, than dementia.

No affliction of old age is more likely to be treated ineffectively than dementia. Successfully addressing medical and behavioral needs requires finesse. That's why I can't emphasize enough how important dementia awareness is.

Elders would be so much better served if we could all work together to promote and encourage earlier screening and coordinated care for people with dementia.

How can we help you an your loved one? Find out more at: https://www.drlizgeriatrics.com/

08/23/2026

“It’s probably just part of getting older…”

It’s an easy explanation to reach for when someone we love begins forgetting things, making unusual decisions or behaving differently.

But dementia doesn’t wait while families try to rationalise the warning signs.

When declining brain function goes unrecognised, an older person can become increasingly vulnerable, sometimes without anyone realising just how much their judgement or ability to protect themselves has changed.

The consequences can be serious.

7 potential costs of inaction include:

1. Undue influence – someone taking advantage of impaired judgement
2. Financial abuse – scams, theft or inappropriate financial decisions
3. Physical abuse
4. Emotional abuse
5. Sexual abuse
6. Serious accidents – including falls, driving incidents and household accidents
7. Health setbacks – missed medications, poor nutrition or medical problems going unnoticed

The message isn’t to panic every time someone forgets a name or misplaces their keys.

It’s simply this:

If something doesn’t seem right, don’t keep explaining it away. Check it out.

Early assessment can help families understand what’s happening, put safeguards in place and make important decisions while their loved one can still participate in them.

Sometimes acting early can prevent a crisis later.

If you have questions about dementia, cognitive changes or caring for an older loved one, reach out. We’re here to help.

Visit Dr Liz Geriatrics:
https://www.drlizgeriatrics.com/

08/23/2026

We’ve all seen the ads targeted toward men that ask: “Not feeling like yourself lately? Struggling with low energy or sexual function? You might be wondering, is it low testosterone?”

For a small number of older men (about 2%) that could be the case. And yes, testosterone therapy may help if a true deficiency is found.

However, most ads don’t tell you that for the other 98%, symptoms like fatigue, low libido, and performance issues are more often linked to things like:
- Vascular disease
- Depression
- Smoking
- Alcohol use

And testosterone therapy? It’s not a quick fix. It carries serious risks, including:
* Prostate cancer growth
* Heart attack and stroke
* Thickened blood that increases clot risk

Sometimes the right solution isn’t a prescription, it’s a deeper look at your overall health.

Before jumping into testosterone treatment, talk to a doctor who looks at the full picture, not just the symptoms.

Learn more:
https://www.drlizgeriatrics.com/

08/22/2026

Good information.

Millions of Americans are living with dementia. Dan noticed changes in his neighbor – maybe these changes sound familiar.

Visit pa.gov/CareKit-ManyFaces to find Dan’s story and other resources for caregivers.

Videos are available in English, 汉语 and Español.

08/20/2026

It is possible for elders and their families to live fulfilling lives after a dementia diagnosis.

An excerpt from Dr Liz's Book LIVING IN THE MOMENT: Overcoming Challenges and Finding Moments of Joy in Alzheimer’s and other Dementias - It’s a guide that addresses the hard parts of caring for loved ones with dementia. Get your copy now. https://www.drlizgeriatrics.com/book/

The biggest lie is that dementia means, “It’s all over.” Have hope.: You can still enjoy good times together. A diagnosis of dementia doesn’t mean the end of the world. Yes, a family’s life changes when dementia enters in.

Sometimes, the shifts come dramatically: An elder will have a sudden health setback. Dad may go out for a drive and not be able to find his way back home. Mom may try to “escape” her assisted- living facility because she’s convinced they are keeping her prisoner.