Geriatrics

Here’s everything you need to know about the specialty of geriatrics: what it studies, which conditions it treats, what geriatric care involves, and what its main techniques and diagnostic methods are. Schedule your consultation at one of our hospitals.

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What is geriatrics?

Geriatrics is the branch of medicine that cares for people over the age of 65. This specialty takes a comprehensive approach to address all of the patient’s needs, safeguard their well-being, and improve their quality of life.

Geriatricians aim to prevent, diagnose, and treat conditions related to aging from a functional, mental, and social perspective. Their care approach always includes the involvement—and guidance when necessary—of the patient’s family.

What does geriatrics study?

The field of geriatrics is broad, as it focuses on the diseases that commonly affect older adults and that can impact any organ of the human body. Moreover, age-related conditions can influence various areas including biological, psychological, cultural, and social aspects. For this reason, geriatricians often work alongside other physicians and may specialize in different areas such as:

  • General geriatrics: focuses on older patients with chronic illnesses or multiple conditions who require several simultaneous treatments.
  • Orthogeriatrics: focuses on caring for geriatric patients with hip fractures.
  • Cardiogeriatrics: addresses heart conditions and common cardiovascular disorders in older adults.
  • Oncogeriatrics: more than half of all new cancer diagnoses each year are in older individuals. Therefore, this specialization is essential for providing personalized care tailored to the specific needs of aging.

Who is it for?

Geriatrics is intended for patients over the age of 65. The aging process often leads to the presence of one or more illnesses. However, many patients visit a geriatrician due to temporary illnesses and only show signs of age-related degeneration, making prevention essential.

Techniques, procedures, and diagnostic methods

Unless severe illnesses require more in-depth evaluation, geriatric patient assessments focus on general health status and cognitive function. To ensure older adults feel comfortable and build trust with their doctor, simple but highly effective methods are commonly used:

  • Anamnesis: a clinical method involving questions about the patient’s personal and family medical history, social circumstances, and environmental setting.
  • Pulmonary and cardiac auscultation: recommended at every visit to detect murmurs, wheezing, or heart and respiratory sounds.
  • Palpation: a diagnostic technique using touch to detect abnormalities in organs such as the appendix, stomach, spleen, or liver.
  • Percussion: involves tapping the body to assess organ size and consistency.

Diseases and symptoms

Main conditions and diseases

The main challenge in geriatrics is that most patients are chronically ill or suffer from multiple conditions. Common issues treated in a geriatric clinic include:

Related symptoms

Patients visiting a geriatric clinic tend to share specific characteristics and may present symptoms such as:

  • More than one condition at a time
  • Multiple prescribed medications
  • Signs of frailty
  • Risk of dependency
  • Age-related social problems
  • Decreased physiological reserves
  • Cognitive decline
  • Gait disorders
  • Chronic pain
  • Incontinence
  • Malnutrition

About the geriatric consultation

As geriatrics specializes in treating patients over 65 and managing the aging process, consultations with a geriatrician are faster and diagnoses more effective than continuing with a primary care provider. For this reason, it’s advisable to schedule an appointment once you reach this age.

What should you keep in mind?

During the first appointment, the geriatrician will talk with the patient to understand their general health, existing conditions, and ongoing treatments. This conversation also helps identify any cognitive or mental difficulties.

It’s a good idea to attend the appointment with a family member or trusted person who can provide additional information. The doctor will typically take time to address any questions or offer care recommendations as needed.

What should I bring to the appointment?

To provide the geriatrician with as much information as possible, it’s recommended to bring a list of current medications and diagnosed conditions. You should also note any new symptoms and prepare any health-related questions you may have.

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If you have any further questions, please contact us through the Patient Services telephone number: 900 301 013

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