What is Geropsychology?

Geropsychology, a specialized field within psychology, focuses on the mental health and well-being of older adults. As our population ages, the importance of understanding and addressing the unique psychological challenges faced by older adults becomes increasingly evident. A lot of people aren’t sure what “geropsychology” means – I get a lot of blank looks when I tell people I specialize in “geropsych,” so here is some information that will help.

Understanding the Aging Process

One of the fundamental goals of geropsychology is to enhance our understanding of the aging process. This involves studying the psychological changes that occur with age, such as cognitive decline, memory loss, and emotional adjustments. By gaining a deeper understanding of these changes, geropsychologists can develop effective interventions to support older adults in maintaining their mental health and quality of life.

Addressing Mental Health Issues

Geropsychology also plays a crucial role in addressing mental health issues that are prevalent among older adults. These issues may include depression, anxiety, substance abuse, and dementia. Geropsychologists work to identify, diagnose, and treat these conditions using evidence-based therapeutic approaches. By providing appropriate support and interventions, they can help older adults cope with mental health challenges and improve their overall well-being.

Promoting Cognitive Function

Preserving cognitive function is another important goal of geropsychology. The risk of cognitive decline increases with age, leading to difficulties with memory, attention, and problem-solving. Geropsychologists develop strategies to enhance cognitive function and reduce the impact of cognitive decline. These strategies may include adaptive strategies, memory aids, and lifestyle modifications.

Supporting Social and Emotional Well-being

Social and emotional well-being are essential components of a fulfilling life, especially for older adults. Geropsychologists strive to promote social and emotional well-being by addressing issues such as loneliness, isolation, and grief. They may provide individual therapy, group therapy, or support groups to help older adults develop healthy coping mechanisms and build strong social connections.

Addressing Ageism and Discrimination

Ageism, the prejudice or discrimination against older adults, can have a significant negative impact on mental health and well-being. Geropsychologists advocate for social change and challenge ageist attitudes and stereotypes. By raising awareness about ageism and promoting age-friendly environments, they contribute to creating a more inclusive and supportive society for older adults.

Collaboration with Healthcare Professionals

Geropsychologists often collaborate with other healthcare professionals, such as physicians, nurses, and social workers, to provide comprehensive care for older adults. By working together, they can address the physical, psychological, and social needs of their patients and ensure that they receive the best possible care. 

Geropsychology plays a vital role in promoting the mental health and well-being of older adults. By understanding the aging process, addressing mental health issues, promoting cognitive function, supporting social and emotional well-being, and addressing ageism, geropsychology contributes to improving the quality of life for older individuals and their families. As our population ages, the importance of geropsychology will continue to grow.

If you are a licensed mental health provider interested in earning continuing education credits in geropsychology topics, I am collaborating with another gerosychologist to offer APA-sponsored CE courses related to aging through our program called Insights into Aging. Check out our course offerings at Amy Rosett, Ph.D.

Start Therapy for Older Adults in Los Angeles, CA

If you're seeking therapy for older adults in Los Angeles, now is the time to address aging-related mental health challenges. Dr. Reger is a therapist who works with older adults and would be happy to offer tailored support for you or a loved one to maintain well-being and improve quality of life. Contact her today to explore therapy options and take the first step toward healthier aging. Start your therapy journey by following these simple steps:

1. Contact (424) 262-1925 to schedule your appointment

2. Meet with Dr. Reger for an evaluation

3. Start improving your quality of life!

Other Services Offered by Dr. Reger in Los Angeles, CA

I am happy to offer support with a variety of services in addition to counseling for older adults. I also offer a variety of neuropsychological assessments in addition to ADHD testing. I am happy to offer capacity assessments, neuropsychological and psychological assessments, pre-surgical assessments, and med-legal evaluations. In addition to evaluations, I also provide individual therapy, and mental health consultations and presentations. Visit my blog for more help today!

Neuropsychology and ADHD in Adults: Understanding the Brain's Role in ADHD

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is often associated with childhood, but it can have a big impact on adults, too. While the exact causes of ADHD are still being researched, neuropsychology offers valuable insights into the brain's role in ADHD, and the strategies adults can use to navigate life with ADHD.

Neuropsychological Foundations of ADHD

Neuropsychology is the study of how the brain and behavior are interconnected. As a psychologist who has been doing neuropsychological assessment for many years, I find it can be helpful for folks to understand how brain function connects to behavior in everyday situations. In ADHD, neuropsychological research has identified several key areas of the brain that may be involved:

Prefrontal Cortex:

This region of the brain is responsible for executive functions, such as planning, organizing, and decision-making. In individuals with ADHD, the prefrontal cortex may not function as efficiently, leading to challenges in these areas. For example, adults with ADHD may find that they are often losing things, have a hard time keeping a clean space, or feel anxious when making decisions, which can lead to procrastination or last-minute choices that aren’t well thought out.

Dopamine System:

Dopamine is a neurotransmitter that plays a crucial role in reward, motivation, and attention. Studies suggest that individuals with ADHD may have imbalances in their dopamine system, which can contribute to symptoms like impulsivity and difficulty concentrating. For example, adults with ADHD might have a hard time meeting deadlines at work because it’s hard to focus on a task for a prolonged time. Or they might wait until the last minute to make plans, which can be frustrating for a partner or challenging as a parent trying to juggle kid schedules.

Basal Ganglia:

These structures are involved in motor control and learning. Dysfunctions in the basal ganglia may contribute to hyperactivity and restlessness in individuals with ADHD. For example, many adults with ADHD are not “hyperactive” in the way that we might think of a kid in school being out of their seat, but in adults, the basal ganglia involvement in ADHD can cause people to be fidgety or always on the go.

Neuropsychological Assessment of ADHD

Neuropsychological assessments can provide valuable information about the cognitive and emotional functioning of individuals with ADHD. These assessments typically involve a series of tasks designed to measure:

• Attention: The ability to focus and sustain attention on a task.

• Working memory: The ability to hold and manipulate information in the mind.

• Executive functions: The ability to plan, organize, and problem-solve.

• Processing speed: The ability to quickly process information.

By identifying specific cognitive strengths and weaknesses, neuropsychological assessments can help tailor treatment plans to address the unique needs of individuals with ADHD. I have assessed hundreds of adults with ADHD, and although it is a big investment of time, energy, and money to go through a neuropsychological assessment, it can often be a relief to know for sure about a clear diagnosis, and it can be the first step toward learning a new way of understanding yourself and managing differences in the way your brain works!

Psychological Treatment and Support for ADHD

While medication is often prescribed to manage ADHD symptoms, behavioral and psychological interventions can also play a vital role in helping individuals with ADHD develop coping strategies and improve their quality of life. These interventions may include:

• Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT): CBT helps individuals identify and modify negative thought patterns and behaviors that contribute to ADHD symptoms.

• Executive Function Training (also called Cognitive Rehabilitation): This type of therapy focuses on building practical skills and strategies for improving executive functions, such as planning, organizing, and time management.

• Neurofeedback: This technique involves training the brain to regulate its electrical activity, which may help improve attention and reduce hyperactivity.

Neuropsychology offers valuable insights into the brain's role in ADHD and provides a framework for understanding and treating the symptoms that can be most difficult for people. Even if you weren’t diagnosed with ADHD as a child, it is never too late for a proper diagnosis and the right treatment.

Seek Adult ADHD Assessments in Los Angeles

If you’re interested in an ADHD assessment, please feel free to contact Dr. Reger for a free 15-minute consultation. She can offer support and discuss whether neuropsychological testing can help. Start the testing process by following these simple steps:

1. Contact (424) 262-1925 to schedule your appointment

2. Meet with Dr. Reger for an evaluation

3. Start gaining valuable insights about your mind!

Other Services Offered by Dr. Reger in Los Angeles, CA

I am happy to offer support with a variety of neuropsychological assessments in addition to ADHD testing. I am happy to also offer capacity assessments, neuropsychological and psychological assessments, pre-surgical assessments, and med-legal evaluations. In addition to evaluations, I also provide individual therapy, counseling for older adults, and mental health consultations and presentations. Visit my blog for more help today!

Additional Resources

CHADD: https://chadd.org/

ADHD Foundation: https://www.adhdfoundation.org.uk/

National Institute of Mental Health: https://www.nimh.nih.gov/

Understanding Dementia from a Psychological Perspective

Dementia is a progressive brain disease that affects memory, thinking, and behavior. As we age, our brains naturally undergo changes, but dementia is a more severe condition that can significantly impact our daily lives. Many people worry about normal age-related brain changes, like slightly slower processing speed or periodic forgetfulness, but these are often nothing to worry about, and they are not dementia. Dementia involves brain changes that interfere with a person’s ability to do life tasks, such as managing money, managing medication, remembering important appointments, safely cooking, or navigating a new route. Here’s a little information about dementia in older adults that might help if you are trying to learn more.

Types of Dementia

While there are many forms of dementia, the most common include:

• Alzheimer's Disease: This is the most common type of dementia, characterized by the gradual loss of brain cells. It typically begins with memory loss, but as the disease progresses, it can affect language, thinking, and behavior.

• Vascular Dementia: Caused by damage to blood vessels in the brain, vascular dementia can lead to sudden cognitive changes a gradual decline that pauses and restarts due to a buildup of damage in the brain.

• Lewy Body Dementia: This type of dementia is characterized by the buildup of abnormal protein deposits in the brain. Symptoms can include hallucinations, sleep disturbances, and motor problems, in addition to memory loss and other problems.

• Frontotemporal Dementia: This condition affects the frontal and temporal lobes of the brain, leading to changes in personality, behavior, and language.

Common Symptoms of Dementia

The symptoms of dementia can vary depending on the type of disease and the stage of progression. Some common symptoms include:

• Memory loss, especially short-term memory

• Difficulty following conversations or completing familiar tasks

• Changes in mood or personality

• Challenges with language and communication

• Disorientation and confusion

• Problems with spatial awareness

• Wandering or getting lost

• Changes in sleep patterns

Supporting Older Adults with Dementia

Caring for an older adult with dementia can be both challenging and rewarding. Here are some tips for supporting individuals with this condition:

• Create a Safe Environment: Ensure that the home is safe and free of hazards to prevent accidents. Do your best to cut down clutter and eliminate the need for stairs. Consider installing safety features such as grab bars and ramps.

• Maintain a Routine: A consistent daily routine can help individuals with dementia feel more secure and less confused. In fact, people with dementia are often able to be quite independent if they have a set and predictable routine. Dementia often suddenly worsens when people have an unexpected change in routine, for example, after a fall or illness that requires hospitalization. This is because a brain with dementia cannot “bounce back” from change the way it could before, so people often have a marked decline around changes.

• Provide Socialization: Encourage social activities and interactions with loved ones to help maintain a sense of connection.

• Consider Professional Care: As the disease progresses, it may become necessary to seek professional care, such as assisted living or home health services. I always advise families to start looking before you think you will need this type of help, because waitlists can be long, and finding a good fit can take time.

• Seek Support: Connect with support groups or online communities for caregivers of individuals with dementia. Sharing experiences and advice can be helpful.

Coping with Dementia

Coping with dementia can be emotionally challenging for both the individual and their caregivers. It is important to remember that there is no cure for dementia, but with the right support, it is possible to maintain a good quality of life, often for a long time. Some strategies for coping include:

• Accepting the Diagnosis: Acknowledging the diagnosis and understanding the disease can help reduce stress and anxiety. Talking about the situation and feelings with loved ones can help everyone feel supported.

• Seeking Counseling: Talking to a therapist can provide emotional support and coping strategies. This can be especially helpful early on in a dementia diagnosis, when a person is very aware of their diagnosis and what it means and may experience fears, grief, and anger.

• Caregiver Self-Care: It is essential for caregivers to prioritize their own well-being. Make time for self-care activities, time away from caregiving, and rest. This is often the most difficult part of caregiving, and caregivers often feel they have to “give up” their own lives in order to support their loved one with dementia. But self-care is incredibly important, because none of us can give from an empty cup, and caregiver burnout is common.

• Focusing on Positive Moments: Celebrate small victories and cherish the time spent together. Identify the activities that still bring joy and are doable, and focus on those, rather than what you can no longer do. For example, reading a favorite book out loud together, looking at pictures of your life, or going on walks outside together are simple things that people with dementia often enjoy well into the disease progression.

Dementia is a complex disease that affects millions of people worldwide. It can feel like a devastating loss that drags on for years and is hard on the individual with dementia as well as their families and friends. Understanding what is going on is the first step in coping and finding the best quality of life possible with dementia.

Begin Dementia Testing in Los Angeles, CA

You and your loved ones don’t have to wonder if dementia is playing a part in your health concerns. Dr. Reger is happy to offer support with dementia testing and other forms of support to help you achieve greater clarity and understanding. You can start the assessment process by following these simple steps:

1. Contact (424) 262-1925 to schedule your appointment

2. Meet with Dr. Reger for an evaluation

3. Start having your questions answered!

Other Services Offered by Dr. Reger in Los Angeles, CA

Dementia testing isn’t the only service offered at my Redondo Beach-based practice. In addition, I am happy to also offer capacity assessments, neuropsychological and psychological assessments, pre-surgical assessments, and med-legal evaluations. In addition to evaluations, I also provide individual therapy, counseling for older adults, and mental health consultations and presentations. Visit my blog for more help today!

The Challenges of Testamentary Capacity: A Guide for Families

If you’re concerned about a loved one's ability to make a will, you're not alone. Determining testamentary capacity – the mental ability to create a legal will – can be a complex and emotionally charged process. In my experience conducting capacity assessments for over a decade, here are some of the most common challenges patients and their families face.

What Does Testamentary Capacity Mean?

In California, the law defines testamentary capacity as the ability to understand the nature of a will, the extent of one’s property, and the “natural objects” of one’s bounty. Simply put, testamentary capacity is the ability to understand what a will is, know what property you own, and understand who your loved ones are. It might sound straightforward, but determining if someone has this capacity can be challenging in some cases.

The Challenges You Might Face

Uncertainty about your loved one’s mental state:

It can be difficult to tell if changes in your loved one's behavior are normal aging or signs of something more serious. This is especially concerning if there is suspicion of “undue influence,” which means that someone is deliberately trying to coerce an older adult or otherwise vulnerable adult to change their will. 

Disagreements within the family:

Family dynamics can become strained when there are questions about someone's mental capacity, particularly when there is money or property that will be distributed. I have worked with many people who are shocked at the way their family members have behaved when there is money at stake and a question about their loved one’s capacity to make decisions about their estate. Navigating these dynamics is often the most painful aspect of capacity cases.

Complex legal process:

Navigating the legal system can be overwhelming, especially when dealing with sensitive family matters. I always recommend having an attorney with expertise in elder law and estate law involved in capacity cases, because the advice of medical providers or a psychologist, such as myself, is no replacement for knowledgeable legal guidance.

Emotional toll:

The process of assessing testamentary capacity can be emotionally draining for both the individual and their family. Even in the most straightforward cases where capacity testing is just to demonstrate that things are fine and a person has the capacity to make a change to their estate, the assessment involves some amount of cognitive testing, interviews with the patient and family or caregivers, and often a review of medical and/or financial records. This takes time and energy and involves talking about sensitive things. In more complex cases, the time and energy required will be more extensive.

What to Do If You Have Concerns

If you're worried about your loved one's ability to make a will, it's important to seek professional help. A qualified psychologist who specializes in capacity assessment, like myself, can conduct a comprehensive evaluation.

Open communication:

Talk to your loved one about your concerns in a respectful and supportive manner.

Gather information:

Collect any relevant medical records, legal documents, financial records, and observations of your loved one's behavior. For example, sometimes a person’s bank statements show evidence of concerning decisions, such as a pattern of donating thousands of dollars to questionable causes, or months of late fees because they are not paying bills on time. If you suspect a loved one may need a capacity assessment in the future, I highly recommend keeping a log of your observations, with dates, so that you can easily recall and report these incidents to the psychologist doing the testing.

Seek legal advice:

Consult with an attorney to understand the legal process and your rights. Ideally, this should be an attorney with relevant expertise in estate law, probate, or elder law.

Build a support system:

Reach out to family and friends for emotional support. If you are at the point where you are considering a capacity assessment, it is likely you have already experienced worry and stress related to this situation. Don’t be afraid to talk to your close friends and family about the situation, and don’t be afraid to ask for help and support.

Seek An assessment for Testamentary Capacity in Los Angeles, CA

Remember, you're not alone in facing these challenges. Many families have gone through similar experiences. By seeking professional guidance and support, you can navigate this difficult process with greater clarity and understanding. You can start the assessment process with Dr. Reger by following these simple steps:

1. Contact (424) 262-1925 to schedule your appointment

2. Meet with Dr. Reger for an evaluation

3. Start having your questions answered!

OTHER SERVICES OFFERED BY DR. REGER IN LOS ANGELES, CA

Capacity assessments are not the only service offered by my Redondo Beach-based practice. I’m also happy to offer multiple neuropsychological and psychological assessments. Other assessments include cognitive and dementia testing, pre-surgical assessments, and med-legal evaluations. In addition to evaluations, I also provide individual therapy, counseling for older adults, and mental health consultations and presentations. Visit my blog for more help today!