Basics Concerning Ann Arbor Geriatrics
The Geriatric Medicine is also used to refer to Geriatrics. This is a medical specialty that specializes in providing health care and promoting the health of old people. It deals with the prevention and treatment of disability and illnesses that affect the elderly. Medical practitioners with specialty in this field are referred to as geriatric physicians or geriatricians. The Ann Arbor Geriatrics profession is highly advanced with some of the most experienced and qualified professionals. One can receive quality care in Ann Arbor at affordable rates.
There is a difference between gerontology and geriatric medicine. Whereas geriatric medicine deals with the treatment of diseases in old people, gerontology is concerned with the study of the process of aging. There is no specific age at which one qualifies to receive geriatric care. People as young as 40 years can be under the care of geriatric physicians without any problem. The name geriatric comes from a Greek term which translates to old man in English.
Old and young people are physiologically different in their bodies, making the study of Geriatrics very crucial. As aging progresses, decline in body organs manifests. Previous lifestyles play a role in the kind of symptoms and diseases one experiences. Different people experience different symptoms depending on the healthy organ reserves remaining in the body.
Geriatricians are adequately trained to be able to differentiate illnesses from ordinary aging effects. For instance, renal failure and incontinence are signs of disease while impairment of the renal is a normal aging effect. Geriatricians therefore promote healthy and proper aging.
Complications caused by decline in organ physiological reserve vary from mild to severe. Suffering from multiple medical conditions is common too. Because of these, elderly people need specific attention to medications, often being subjected to multiple medications. Over-the counter and herbal medications are often mixed by some people. This exposes them to the risk of drug-drug interaction or adverse drug reaction.
Most diseases in the elderly people present themselves in a non-specific and vague manner. Sometimes they include falls of delirium. For instance, pneumonia may cause low-grade fever and confusion as opposed to cough and high fever observed in younger people. If the disease is causing confusion or cognitive impairment, the old person may have a problem describing what symptoms they are experiencing.
The term geriatric giants is used to describe the major categories of impairment appearing in old people. These four categories are impaired intellect/memory, incontinence, instability, and immobility. Hearing loss and impaired vision are very common. Loss of hearing causes depression, dependence, and social isolation. Vision impairment causes falls, incorrect taking of medication, and financial mismanagement.
Issues related with quality of life, functional abilities, and independence continue to be of great concern in this profession. Maintaining independence is generally what most old individuals want. This calls for ability to handle daily activities. It is upon geriatricians to offer information and referrals about elder care options to patients as appropriate. Some of the options are assisted living facilities, home care, skilled nursing facilities, and hospice.
There is a difference between gerontology and geriatric medicine. Whereas geriatric medicine deals with the treatment of diseases in old people, gerontology is concerned with the study of the process of aging. There is no specific age at which one qualifies to receive geriatric care. People as young as 40 years can be under the care of geriatric physicians without any problem. The name geriatric comes from a Greek term which translates to old man in English.
Old and young people are physiologically different in their bodies, making the study of Geriatrics very crucial. As aging progresses, decline in body organs manifests. Previous lifestyles play a role in the kind of symptoms and diseases one experiences. Different people experience different symptoms depending on the healthy organ reserves remaining in the body.
Geriatricians are adequately trained to be able to differentiate illnesses from ordinary aging effects. For instance, renal failure and incontinence are signs of disease while impairment of the renal is a normal aging effect. Geriatricians therefore promote healthy and proper aging.
Complications caused by decline in organ physiological reserve vary from mild to severe. Suffering from multiple medical conditions is common too. Because of these, elderly people need specific attention to medications, often being subjected to multiple medications. Over-the counter and herbal medications are often mixed by some people. This exposes them to the risk of drug-drug interaction or adverse drug reaction.
Most diseases in the elderly people present themselves in a non-specific and vague manner. Sometimes they include falls of delirium. For instance, pneumonia may cause low-grade fever and confusion as opposed to cough and high fever observed in younger people. If the disease is causing confusion or cognitive impairment, the old person may have a problem describing what symptoms they are experiencing.
The term geriatric giants is used to describe the major categories of impairment appearing in old people. These four categories are impaired intellect/memory, incontinence, instability, and immobility. Hearing loss and impaired vision are very common. Loss of hearing causes depression, dependence, and social isolation. Vision impairment causes falls, incorrect taking of medication, and financial mismanagement.
Issues related with quality of life, functional abilities, and independence continue to be of great concern in this profession. Maintaining independence is generally what most old individuals want. This calls for ability to handle daily activities. It is upon geriatricians to offer information and referrals about elder care options to patients as appropriate. Some of the options are assisted living facilities, home care, skilled nursing facilities, and hospice.
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