Graceful dying – all is not equal
August 18, 2011
My dog is dying. When he was diagnosed two months ago with brain lesions, we had an open, practical conversation…
Asian Cultural Taboo Impedes End-of-Life Care?
August 16, 2011
Last week, I started interviewing clinicians who care for frail elders at On Lok Lifewaysas part of a study led…
The (Ir)Relevance of Medical Research to Older Patients
August 8, 2011
Research studies often are conducted as if older patient’s don’t exist. Even when the disease being studied predominantly effects older…
Are Antidepressants Ineffective for the Treatment of Depression in Dementia?
August 4, 2011
Depression is the most common mood disorder in elderly individuals with Alzheimer disease, with prevalence rates somewhere between 15% to…
Social Determinants of Accelerated Aging
August 1, 2011
Do you: 1) Make less than £25,000 ($40,926) a year? 2) Rent your home? 3) Fail to eat your vegetables?…
Matchless: Residents Left in the Lurch
August 1, 2011
Over the last two weeks I have had four different second year residents from several institutions ask me about when…
2012 AAHPM Interactive Educational Exchange Call for Submissions
July 27, 2011
Back by popular demand! The Third Annual Interactive Educational Exchange at the Annual Assembly of the American Academy of Hospice…
What’s in a name? How do you explain “palliative care”?
July 27, 2011
It’s July, and that means teaching new fellows how to explain palliative care to patients and family members. For inpatient…
The Medicare Hospice Benefit: A Challenge to the Concerns About the Rise in Cost
July 20, 2011
I was very disappointed with the recent New York Times Article “Concerns About Costs Rise With Hospices’ Use.” The article…
Preclinical Alzheimer’s Disease: A Case For Caution
July 18, 2011
Recently, a group of distinguished neuroscientists commissioned by the Alzheimer’s Association and the National Institute on Aging updated guidelines for…