You may be asked to determine decision-making capacity (DMC) in various situations, such as consent for medical procedures, for leaving the hospital against medical advice, or for other major decisions. In this fact sheet, I suggest an approach to evaluating DMC and what to do if you conclude that DMC is impaired.

Consultation-liaison psychiatry focuses on psychiatric presentations in patients with medical and surgical illnesses.

Consultation-liaison psychiatry focuses on psychiatric presentations in patients with medical and surgical illnesses.

Working in nursing homes presents unique challenges and experiences due to the complex mix of psychiatric, cognitive, and medical issues encountered among long-term care residents. 

Caregiver burnout occurs when a caregiver's physical health or emotional well-being is compromised because of the stress of caring for someone with significant needs.

Complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) provides additional treatment options that may be appealing to older adults who are sensitive to medication side effects or prefer nonpharmaceutical approaches. 

Physical activity and better nutrition can help prevent or slow cognitive decline and improve overall well-being.

Dementia is usually accompanied by apathy and decreased sexual interest, but disinhibition and inappropriate sexual behaviors (ISBs) can emerge in up to 18% of community-dwelling older adults with dementia. 

Dementia is usually accompanied by apathy and decreased sexual interest, but disinhibition and inappropriate sexual behaviors (ISBs) can emerge in up to 18% of community-dwelling older adults with dementia.

Neuromodulation offers an alternative to traditional pharmacotherapy for treating psychiatric disorders in older adults.