Geriatrics

A geriatrician is a physician specialized in assessing and managing the healthcare needs specific to older adults. This task is often complex, as it is common after the age of 65 to present multiple co-existing health conditions that would otherwise require several different specialists. Furthermore, the geriatrician prevents polypharmacy issues, ensuring that the concurrent use of multiple medications does not trigger adverse side effects or hazardous drug interactions.

Among the most common conditions managed by a geriatrician are:
• arthritis
• diabetes
• social interaction difficulties
• memory disorders, including Alzheimer's disease
• hypertension
• cardiovascular diseases
• cognitive disorders

A geriatrician is a medical specialist recognized for a multidisciplinary approach to patient care and family support. Care is frequently delivered through a dedicated team of professionals that may include, alongside the geriatrician, nurses, physical therapists, social workers, a nutritionist, occupational therapists, speech therapists, and a psychiatrist. This enables a comprehensive assessment of the patient's medical, social, and emotional needs, while directly addressing functional challenges such as memory loss, incontinence, fall risk, and the potential need for assistance with dressing, personal hygiene, and nutrition.

Typically, patients requiring a geriatrician's care are over the age of 75 and living with multiple co-occurring health conditions, including cognitive impairment.
Consulting this specialist is recommended when an elderly individual's health status causes significant disability and frailty, placing substantial stress on family members and caregivers, or when difficulties arise in adhering to prescribed therapies and coordinating instructions from multiple specialists to manage complex, concurrent medical conditions.