Geriatrics

A geriatrician specializes in managing health conditions common in older adults including dementia, Parkinson's disease, osteoporosis, falls, incontinence, chronic pain, depression, polypharmacy, and frailty. They focus on maintaining function and quality of life.

Consider seeing a geriatrician if you or a family member is over 65 and experiencing multiple chronic conditions, memory problems, frequent falls, difficulty managing daily activities, medication side effects, or if you need guidance on care planning and advance directives.

Both manage adult medical conditions, but a geriatrician has additional training in age-specific issues like dementia, falls risk, frailty, delirium, and managing multiple medications in older adults. They also address functional decline and end-of-life care planning.

It is a multidimensional evaluation of an older adult's medical conditions, medications, cognitive function, mood, functional ability, nutritional status, social support, and living environment. The goal is to create a coordinated care plan that addresses all aspects of the patient's well-being.

Yes, geriatricians diagnose and manage dementia, prescribe cognitive-stabilizing medications, address behavioral symptoms, guide families on caregiving strategies, coordinate with neurologists when needed, and help plan for future care needs.