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 when it comes to the aging brain.

In this episode, I share compelling new research showing that even moderate alcohol use in midlife and later life may significantly increase the risk of dementia. I’ll walk you through why alcohol use in older adults often goes undetected, how it impacts brain health, and the exact screening tools and questions I use—and that you can use too—to spot red flags early.

This isn’t about scare tactics. It’s about equipping you with the facts, the tools, and the confidence to support safer, healthier aging. Whether you’re a therapist, care manager, or simply someone who wants to protect your own brain health, you’ll come away knowing why there may be no safe level of alcohol when it comes to dementia prevention.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

1⃣ The brain changes alcohol accelerates—from memory loss to neurotransmitter disruption.
2⃣ Why “invisible” alcohol misuse often goes undetected in later life—and how to spot it.
3⃣ Three screening tools every clinician should know: SMAST-G, AUDIT-C, and CAGE Questionnaire.
4⃣The good news: Older adults can recover—and often have better treatment outcomes than younger adults when care is tailored to them.

Click here to get all of the resources mentioned in this episode here

If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, leave a review, and share it with a colleague or friend. Together, we’re building a movement for mental health and aging—because there is no expiration date on healing, transformation, and growth.

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👉 Want to Become an Aging Informed Therapist? Join us for our live CE course on 8/21/25 from 12-1:30pm EST. Click here to learn more.

PROFESSIONALS: Grab your free guide to working with older adults here


Attention Social Workers, Therapists, Counselors, Psychologists, Aging Life Care Experts... Click here to get Continuing Education Credits

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 older adults is critical to brain health.

In this episode, I unpack the groundbreaking connection between anxiety and dementia. You’ll learn why anxiety is not a normal part of aging—and why your role as a therapist, social worker, psychologist, or aging life care expert is critical in reducing long-term cognitive decline.

You’ll walk away with four actionable steps you can take to make a meaningful difference in the lives of older clients—and possibly prevent dementia in the process.

This isn't just about reducing symptoms. It's about restoring dignity, peace of mind, and protecting brain health—now and for years to come.

Here’s what you’ll learn:
✅ How anxiety affects the aging brain and increases dementia risk
✅ Why anxiety is often missed or misdiagnosed in older adults
✅ How to screen, normalize, and treat anxiety in therapy
✅ The importance of collaborative care and early detection
✅ How you can adapt your practice to better serve older clients

👉 Get the full list of research and clinical tools I mention here: https://www.mentalhealthandaging.com/podcast/anxiety-dementia-what-therapists-must-know/

Have a topic idea? Send us a text.

👉 Want to Become an Aging Informed Therapist? Join us for our live CE course on 8/21/25 from 12-1:30pm EST. Click here to learn more.

PROFESSIONALS: Grab your free guide to working with older adults here


Attention Social Workers, Therapists, Counselors, Psychologists, Aging Life Care Experts... Click here to get Continuing Education Credits

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 a hope—it’s science.

In this episode, I’m diving into the powerful link between mental health treatment and dementia prevention. So many therapists don’t realize that untreated depression in midlife and later life increases the risk of dementia. But here’s the hopeful truth: when we treat depression, we don’t just reduce suffering—we may delay or even prevent cognitive decline.

If you’re a therapist, this episode is a call to action. You have more power than you think to shape not just your client’s emotional well-being, but their cognitive future. I’ll walk you through the research, the biology, and—most importantly—what you can do right now to support your older clients in living full, vibrant, and connected lives.

In This Episode, You’ll Learn:

• Why depression is a modifiable risk factor for dementia
• What the latest research says about treating depression and reducing dementia risk
• How therapy for depression improves mood, memory, and independence
• Why older adults are just as likely to benefit from therapy as other age groups
• How antidepressant treatment in people with mild cognitive impairment can delay dementia
• What you can do for clients already living with dementia and depression
• Why your role as a therapist matters more than ever—and how to make a difference

Visit the show notes here

Have a topic idea? Send us a text.

👉 Want to Become an Aging Informed Therapist? Join us for our live CE course on 8/21/25 from 12-1:30pm EST. Click here to learn more.

PROFESSIONALS: Grab your free guide to working with older adults here


Attention Social Workers, Therapists, Counselors, Psychologists, Aging Life Care Experts... Click here to get Continuing Education Credits