What is Geriatrics?
Geriatrics is the branch of medicine concerned with the
diagnosis, treatment and prevention of diseases in the elderly and the
problems specific to aging. Aging cells are more susceptible to malignant
changes, and the increase in the number of aged people and consequent increase
in the need for medical attention have contributed to the importance of
geriatrics. Geriatrics also deals with the psychological, economic and social
dimensions of old age. Geriatrics includes managing multiple disease systems
and developing care plans for the special health care of older people.
The main problems in aged patients are incontinence,
immobility, intellectual impairment and instability. Most of the disabilities
of these patients are caused by weakening of the circulatory system.
Geriatrics attaches prime importance to the mental deterioration among the
old; this medical discipline studies in detail the disturbances of motor and
sensory function in old people caused by insufficient blood supply. Other
problems that geriatrics takes into consideration are gastrointestinal
disturbances, osteoporosis, lung problems and obesity.
Geriatric studies have shown that old age problems may also
be due to alterations in the functioning of the thyroid gland. Other causes
may be sleep disorders, depression, infectious and metabolic diseases. Some
drugs may interact and cause toxic side effects in old age people. Mental
changes in old people may result from degenerative brain diseases such as
Alzheimer’s disease. Progressive diseases like heart disease and cataracts
tend to become more severe in old age. Influenza infection and exposure to
cold also make the aged sick. The weakening of the immune system may lead to
an increased incidence of cancer in older persons.
Geriatricians are primary care physicians who have acquired
special training in geriatric medicine. A geriatrician is specially trained to
prevent and manage health problems of the old. Geriatric treatment evaluates
the social support available to the patients, as well as their living and
community conditions. There are special geriatric care units in hospitals and
outpatient health clinics.
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