Geriatrics : Specialists

What is geriatrics?

Geriatrics is a branch of medicine which deals with diseases and problems related to the ageing process. It specifically focuses upon old people.

What is a geriatrician?

This medical professional deals with all aspects of the ageing process. He or she is concerned with problems and diseases which specifically affect old people.

Older people tend to develop a greater range of diseases which are mostly age-related. Cancer, heart diseases and strokes are more prevalent in older people although this pattern is changing due to unhealthy lifestyles adopted by younger people.

What does a geriatrician do?

He/she diagnoses and treats conditions which specifically the elderly as well as looking at ways of preventing many of these. This includes the following:

• Helping people to regain their mobility, e.g. after a fall
• Dealing with Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia
• Treating people with Parkinson’s disease or have suffered a stroke
• Treating incontinence
• Treating cardiovascular diseases e.g. atherosclerosis
• Treating broken bones often as a result of osteoporosis
• Advising someone on how to maintain their independence

This role is likely to become even more important in the light of our rapidly ageing population. As a result of this there will be many issues to address which includes care and treatment of the elderly.