Geriatrics Specialist

What is geriatric medicine?

Geriatric medicine is a branch of health care focused on the needs of people who are aging. After the age of 60, your body reacts differently to certain conditions than it did when you were younger.

As a result, you’re at a higher risk of more serious health problems, including high blood pressure, diabetes, and arthritis.

Geriatric medicine doesn’t just try to mask the symptoms you’re experiencing. The team at Dr. Jennifer Johnson-Caldwell MD develops a unique treatment plan for each patient. This helps to address multiple health problems and more complex conditions.

Can I benefit from geriatric medicine?

Any man or woman over the age of 60 can benefit from geriatric medicine. Geriatric medicine is particularly beneficial if you suffer from multiple medical conditions, if you’re experiencing a functional decline or physical frailty, or if you have a disease associated with aging such as arthritis, dementia, or incontinence.

Geriatric medicine is also beneficial for older people who are managing multiple medications. For example, if side effects of your prescriptions are interfering with your quality of life, geriatric medicine may be able to provide relief.

What are some common geriatric health problems?

There are a number of health problems older patients face. The team at Dr. Jennifer Johnson-Caldwell MD regularly works with patients experiencing:

Bladder control issues

Urinary incontinence may be embarrassing, but it’s incredibly common, especially in older people. However, it’s also easy to treat and even reverse. The team may recommend a series of at-home exercises like pelvic floor exercises called Kegels, prescription medication, or, if necessary, surgery.

Sleep disturbances

The older you get, the harder it is to get a restful and rejuvenating night of sleep. This is especially true if you smoke or are overweight, as both activities increase your risk of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA).

Falls

Did you know that falls are the leading cause of injury in people 65 and older? Safety hazards at home, medication side effects, and a loss of balance all contribute to your risk. The team can help you determine what caused your fall and suggest steps you can take to prevent the same problem in the future.

Delirium

Delirium is a state of sudden confusion that commonly affects elderly people. Like chest pain, delirium is a medical emergency. If you experience an abrupt change in your mental function or ability to focus, call 911 or visit your nearest emergency room right away.

There’s no way to stop the natural aging process entirely, but geriatric medicine can help you age more gracefully. To make an appointment at Dr. Jennifer Johnson-Caldwell MD today, call the office or use the online booking tool.