Geriatrician

Conditions Treated

• •Dementia and Alzheimer's Disease — Progressive decline in memory, thinking, and daily functioning. Affects over 50 lakh elderly Indians.
• •Falls and Frailty — Age-related decline in muscle strength, balance, and bone density leading to increased fall risk. Falls are the leading cause of injury death in elderly.
• •Polypharmacy Complications — Problems arising from taking 5 or more medications simultaneously — drug interactions, side effects, and medication errors.
• •Urinary Incontinence — Involuntary leakage of urine affecting quality of life. Affects up to 30% of elderly, more common in women.
• •Depression in Elderly — Often undiagnosed in older adults as symptoms are attributed to 'old age'. Highly treatable at any age.

Health Tips

• •Stay physically active — even gentle exercise matters
• •Keep socially connected
• •Review medications with your doctor regularly
• •Fall-proof your home
• •Get vision and hearing checked annually
• •Eat protein-rich foods to prevent muscle loss

How to Prepare for Your Visit

• •Bring ALL medications in their original containers — including eye drops, inhalers, and supplements
• •Write down concerns from the patient AND the caregiver — both perspectives matter
• •Note any falls in the past 6 months — when, where, and what happened
• •Bring a family member or caregiver who knows the patient's daily functioning
• •Discuss daily functioning honestly — bathing, dressing, cooking, managing money, taking medications
• •Mention any mood changes, social withdrawal, or sleep problems
• •Discuss driving safety if applicable — geriatricians can assess fitness to drive
• •Ask about nutritional needs — elderly often need more protein and specific vitamins
• •Implement home safety modifications recommended by the doctor
• •Set up a pill organiser and medication schedule to prevent errors
• •Ensure regular social interaction — isolation worsens both physical and mental health
• •Schedule regular follow-ups — elderly patients need more frequent monitoring

Questions to Ask Your Doctor

• •Can any of my medications be stopped?
• •How can we prevent falls at home?
• •Is this memory loss normal ageing or dementia?
• •What advance care planning should we do?
• •Is my parent safe to live alone?
• •What exercises are safe and beneficial at this age?

When to See a Specialist

A Geriatrician specializes in healthcare for elderly adults (65+), managing multiple age-related conditions and optimizing quality of life.

• •Multiple chronic conditions requiring coordination
• •Memory loss or confusion (dementia evaluation)
• •Frequent falls or balance problems
• •Difficulty managing daily activities
• •Polypharmacy — taking 5+ medications
• •Urinary incontinence
• •Depression or social isolation in elderly

Geriatricians look at the whole person, not just individual diseases. They optimize medication, function, and quality of life.