Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) are among the most commonly prescribed medications worldwide. While their short-term efficacy in managing acid-related disorders is well established, their long-term use—especially in older adults and hospice patients—raises important concerns about safety, necessity, and alignment with patient-centered goals of care. As palliative and hospice
In an era where genetic testing is accessible to nearly anyone with an internet connection, palliative care clinicians are increasingly encountering patients—and family members—who are anxious about their APOE4 status. Popular genetic platforms like 23andMe often alert users to their APOE4 allele status, sparking fears that a diagnosis
As the population ages and chronic disease burdens deepen, palliative care and hospice teams are increasingly faced with the intersecting trajectories of metabolic and neurodegenerative disease. Among the most clinically significant—and often overlooked—intersections is the strong association between Type 2 diabetes and Alzheimer's disease. Understanding this
Helping Families Navigate the Complex Terrain of Dementia with Compassion and Clarity “How long do we have?” It’s the question every family asks when dementia becomes part of their reality—and it’s one of the most challenging to answer. For years, many of us in hospice and palliative
In the world of palliative care, providers frequently navigate the complexities of neurocognitive decline. Subtle shifts in memory, behavior, and function often raise the question: is this dementia, delirium, or simply the “normal aging brain”? Among the many tools available, the Clock Drawing Test (CDT) remains one of the most
Palliative medicine, once seen as a niche field, has now become an essential component of healthcare, focusing on providing relief from the symptoms, pain, and stress of serious illnesses. As the global population ages and the burden of chronic diseases continues to rise, palliative care has gained prominence, emphasizing holistic,
In the nuanced world of post-cardiac care, one key metric often serves as the bridge between clinical recovery and functional reintegration: the Metabolic Equivalent of Task (MET). This standardized measure of energy expenditure empowers healthcare providers to assess the intensity of physical activities, customize rehabilitation protocols, and predict patient outcomes
Opioids remain the cornerstone of symptom relief in hospice and palliative care, especially for pain and dyspnea. However, navigating reported "allergies" to opioids—particularly morphine and codeine—can pose significant challenges. In an already complex clinical landscape, these allergy labels can lead to under-treatment of distressing symptoms, unnecessary
As palliative care continues to evolve with an emphasis on quality of life, comfort, and symptom control, the incorporation of precision medicine tools like pharmacogenomics (PGx) offers promising benefits. Pharmacogenomics, the study of how a patient’s genetic makeup influences their response to medications, can serve as a powerful ally
In palliative medicine, attention to genitourinary symptoms is often overshadowed by more pressing issues such as pain, dyspnea, or existential distress. Yet lower urinary tract dysfunction—particularly the confusing coexistence of overactive bladder (OAB) symptoms and urinary retention—is both common and under-recognized, especially in older adults with complex comorbidities.
March is Kidney Awareness Month, a time often focused on prevention, early detection, and life-sustaining treatments like dialysis. These conversations are important—and incomplete. Missing too often is space for an equally valid, deeply human decision: the decision to stop dialysis. For many people living with advanced kidney disease, dialysis
March is Kidney Awareness Month, a time often focused on prevention, early detection, and life-sustaining treatments like dialysis. These conversations are important—and incomplete. Missing too often is space for an equally valid, deeply human decision: the decision to stop dialysis. For many people living with advanced kidney disease, dialysis