The area of medicine called geriatrics is concerned with providing older patients with medical care. Although the terms are ambiguous, geriatricians are typically more concerned with their patients' quality of life. They frequently devote more time to learning about a patient's medical background and comprehending their particular physical, emotional, and cognitive needs. They also assist their patients in navigating challenging life transitions. These experts are crucial in dispelling inaccurate aging stereotypes that may harm general health.
Cognitive impairment is one of the many health issues that affect the elderly population. Due to this, a patient may misreport their symptoms or receive an incorrect diagnosis. Deterioration of cognitive function may also cause errors in the administration of health plans and lessen a patient's capacity for self-advocacy. A geriatric doctor may also work more closely with a patient's family and caregivers than a younger doctor would.
Geriatrics is distinct from general internal medicine and family medicine. The integration of psychology into geriatric medicine is a noteworthy aspect. "Aging is a phase in life, not a disease," Basics in Geriatrics emphasizes. Additionally, it draws attention to the prevalence of mental health issues in older patients.
A thorough geriatric assessment can significantly enhance a patient's activities of daily living and lower hospital readmission rates, according to numerous studies. Additionally, older patients who received a geriatric assessment had better quality of life and required fewer trips to the emergency room than those who received standard primary care, according to a randomized trial of a geriatric practice that included a primary care clinician and members of the geriatric team.
Alzheimer's disease is a progressive brain disorder that impairs thinking and memory. Daily chores like walking or eating can become difficult because of this condition. It is the most common cause of dementia in the elderly and affects about 5.5 million people in the United States. Typically, symptoms appear in mid- to late-life. Tremors and modifications in facial expression are among the disease's early warning signs.