Amy Shaw, PA

"One of the most comforting things Amy does is listen."

Amy Shaw, PA, is a nationally recognized dementia clinician and author whose work centers on helping families understand the what, when, and why of dementia — so they can master the how of caregiving.

With over a decade of experience in geriatrics, palliative medicine, and complex symptom management, Amy is known for translating neurologic change into practical, compassionate guidance that families can apply in real life.

Her work is grounded in a simple belief: when caregivers understand what is happening and what to expect, caregiving becomes steadier, more humane, and less overwhelming.

Who I Am and How I Work

Empowering caregivers with the knowledge and support to navigate dementia with confidence and compassion.

Early Academic Foundations

Amy studied primate cognition and child development at Emory University, conducting research in Uganda and Puerto Rico. This early focus on behavior and neurocognitive development laid the foundation for her later work in dementia — helping her understand how the brain learns, changes, and adapts.

Becoming a Physician Assistant

Amy trained as a physician assistant with a focus on chronic illness, geriatrics, and patient-centered care. Early in her clinical work, she recognized a consistent gap in dementia education and support — one that left families overwhelmed and unprepared.

Specializing in Dementia Care

Determined to address this gap, Amy went on to build the first comprehensive dementia care program in Wyoming and has since guided hundreds of families through the dementia journey. Her work focuses on preserving dignity, improving understanding, and helping families navigate complex decisions with clarity.

Amy's Path to Dementia Expertise

Author & Educator

Amy is the author of The Arc of Conversation: A How-to Guide for Goals of Care Conversations (Springer, 2025), a practical guide to navigating complex medical and
end-of-life discussions.

She is also the author of Better Dementia: From Overwhelmed to Empowered (Publishing, 2027), which brings her dementia caregiving framework to a broader audience.

Amy founded BetterDementia.com to make clinically grounded, expert-level dementia education accessible to families everywhere.

Better Dementia™ focuses on:

• understanding how dementia changes the brain

• recognizing patterns across stages

• responding to behaviors with skill and dignity

• supporting caregivers with clarity rather than overwhelm

Learn more about Better Dementia →

Founder of Better Dementia™

“Amy’s education and support helped me feel prepared rather than taken by surprise at each step of the way.”

— Brenda, Family Caregiver

Amy’s work centers families, respects the humanity of the person living with dementia, and supports caregivers with clarity, steadiness, and compassion.