Has your mother, father, or grandmother or grandfather ever had multiple illnesses at once as they got older? They probably struggled with a lot of issues, like diabetes , high blood pressure, cholesterol , joint pain , and memory loss. Does it feel like taking medication for one illness only adds to the burden? You may be wondering how difficult it is to manage all of this and keep them healthy and happy. It's at times like these that we need the help of a doctor who specializes in the health of the elderly. Today, we're talking about those specialists , the geriatricians.
Simply put, who is this Geriatrician?
A geriatrician is a doctor who has received special training in the health problems of older people (usually over 65 years of age). Just as there is a pediatrician for young children, there is a specialist for the elderly. That is the Geriatrician.
They don't just treat illnesses. Their main goal is to help older people maintain a high level of quality of life and functionality. That is, to create the environment necessary for them to live as productively and happily as possible, even with illnesses.
Most importantly, a geriatrician thinks not only about the patient, but also about the family members (caregivers) who take care of the patient. They understand their role and plan treatment together with the family members.
What is the difference between a Geriatrician and a Gerontologist?
These two names may be confusing to some people because they sound a bit similar. But these two do two completely different things. Let's understand this difference clearly with the help of a table.
| Expert | Role |
|---|---|
| Geriatrician | This is a medical doctor . He diagnoses and treats diseases that affect older people. He examines patients and prescribes medicine. |
| Gerontologist | This is not a doctor. These are people who study and research the process of aging. They study the physical, mental, and social effects of aging. |
What services are available from a geriatrician?
A geriatrician focuses on several main areas.
1. Managing multiple illnesses at the same time
It is common to have multiple conditions at the same time as you age. A geriatrician is skilled in managing these conditions.
- Arthritis
- Alzheimer 's disease and other dementias
- Balance issues
- Diabetes
- Heart disease
- Osteoporosis
- Insomnia
- Depression
- Incontinence
2. Be careful about using too much medicine
Older people often take multiple medications for multiple conditions. A medication prescribed by one doctor may interact with a medication prescribed by another doctor (drug interactions). Some medications can have unwanted side effects. A geriatrician will review all of your medications , eliminate unnecessary medications, adjust dosages, and prescribe only the medications that are most appropriate and safest for you.
3. Promoting healthy aging
They look at your entire life, not just your illness. That's why a consultation with a geriatrician can take longer than one with a regular doctor. They will talk about your lifestyle, what you eat, your relationships with your family, and your mental health. Through this, they can create the best treatment plan for you.
Common conditions that a geriatrician specifically treats
Geriatricians have a special ability to treat some of the problems that commonly affect the elderly.
Falling
As you age, your balance decreases and you are more likely to fall. A fall can cause serious problems, such as broken bones and head injuries. A geriatrician will assess your risk of falling. This may be due to:
- Some medications you take
- Vision impairment
- Joint pain
- Difficulty walking
- Vertigo
Then, we suggest things like special exercises to prevent falls, walking aids (cane/walker), and changes to the home environment (e.g., raising the grab bar in the bathroom, installing non-slip mats) .
Dementia
Memory loss is not a normal part of aging. It can be a symptom of a disease like dementia. A geriatrician can help diagnose the cause of memory loss by performing tests such as memory tests and brain scans. They can also help the patient and family make plans for how to cope with the condition going forward.
Depression
Although depression is common among older adults, its symptoms can be different from those of younger people. It may manifest itself in the form of unexplained body aches, dizziness, and shortness of breath . A geriatrician can identify these hidden symptoms and refer you for appropriate treatment.
Why should you see a Geriatrician?
If you or an elderly family member is experiencing the following, you may want to consider seeing a geriatrician:
- Having multiple medical conditions at the same time and having difficulty managing them.
- Using a large number of medications (polypharmacy) and suffering from their side effects.
- Significant decline in memory, walking, or the ability to perform daily tasks .
- Frequent falls.
- Your current doctor may not have enough time to address all of your complex health issues.
If I see a geriatrician, do I have to stop seeing my family doctor?
No, you don't necessarily have to. A geriatrician can work closely with your family doctor (Family Doctor/GP). The expert advice provided by a geriatrician can help your family doctor take care of you. Sometimes, if your health condition is very complex, a geriatrician may be chosen as your primary care physician. Talk to your doctor about this and make the best decision.
Take-Home Message
- A geriatrician is a doctor who specializes in treating people over the age of 65 who have multiple complex health problems.
- Their primary goal is not only to cure the disease, but also to maintain the patient's quality of life and activity.
- For those who use a lot of medications, a geriatrician can be a great help in managing them properly.
- They have a special ability to identify and treat specific problems in the elderly, such as falls, memory loss, and depression.
- If your elderly parent or relative is struggling with multiple health issues, talk to your doctor about seeking the advice of a geriatrician.
💬 අදහස් (0)
තවමත් කිසිදු අදහසක් පළ කර නොමැත. ඔබේ අදහස පළමු වරට මෙහි එක් කරන්න.
ඔබේ අදහස එක් කරන්න