Geriatrics is a medical specialty that is solely dedicated to providing high-quality and patient-customized medical care for older adults. Since older adults have their unique set of health concerns and complications, geriatric clinicians are well-trained to focus on treating the diseases and illnesses affecting older people. Unlike younger people, aged patients may have overlapping health complications requiring multiple medications or even complicated surgical procedures. The main work of geriatricians is to prevent and manage these illnesses and develop effective treatment options that help them address their unique health problems. Read on to learn why you should visit the geriatricians at Nguyen Medical Group.
What Conditions Does a Geriatric Doctor Treat?
As mentioned earlier, geriatric doctors usually have medical expertise in many older patient-related health complications. The following are some of the common age-related conditions they treat:
- Fall injuries
Older patients often develop mobility and balance problems. In fact, a study has proven that three out of ten people above 70 fall each year. Geriatricians are well-trained to help lessen your fall risk by performing a fall assessment. This medical tool helps them detect and address the factors that increase your risk of falling, such as; cognitive impairment, chronic diseases, vertigo, foot problems, leg weakness, chronic illnesses, and environmental hazards such as slippery rugs.
- Urinary Incontinence
Urinary incontinence, also involuntary peeing, is a common problem among older adults. Geriatric doctors help solve this problem using assistive devices, biofeedback, exercises, urination schedules, medications, or surgical procedures.
- Dementia
Dementia is a type of brain disease that is accompanied by memory loss. Using a combination of mood tests and memory ability along with brain scans and blood work, your geriatric doctor can offer you effective treatment options for dementia.
- Cardiovascular Disease
Since cardiovascular diseases are very common among older patients, the geriatric doctor must carefully make treatment decisions to avoiding further complications. Before deciding on the treatment method, your geriatrician must determine the downsides of using medications and surgical procedures.
- Depression
Several studies have proven that approximately half of the older patients in nursing homes are depressed. That said, geriatrician doctors are well-trained to assess their patient’s moods and behaviors. Unlike depression in younger patients, depression in older people often results from other medical conditions, such as shortness of breath or dizziness.
The most common age when patients begin seeing geriatricians is about 65 years. For some people, 65 years may seem too early, but this is the ideal age to start taking proper care of your health. An early visit to a geriatrician also helps delay the onset of many chronic health problems that are linked to old age. As we age, the physiology of our bodies changes, meaning that our bodies will react differently to medications and often be susceptible to chronic impairment or illnesses. A geriatrician is well-trained to diagnose and treat these chronic health conditions to help maintain our overall health. Geriatricians are also trained to provide valuable educational materials and resources that you can use to maintain a healthy life. Geriatric doctors mainly focus on keeping you fully functional and helping you maintain your quality of life by helping you establish a suitable fitness schedule that is appropriate for your age and current health condition.