Geriatric Medicine

According to the Population Reference Bureau, the U.S. population of older adults is expected to increase by 69 percent between 2020 and 2060. That means the number of adults over the age of 65 will grow from 56.0 million to 94.7 million. 

This demographic shift has led to a growing need for geriatric care. Older people will require more medical attention and healthcare due to an increased risk of health conditions.

Geriatric internal medicine is a subspecialty that focuses on the healthcare of older adults. As people age, they are more likely to have chronic conditions such as diabetes, hypertension and arthritis. These conditions require ongoing management and care. Geriatric medicine is primary care for older adults ages 55 and up.

Our geriatric specialists at TexomaCare have extensive knowledge in internal medicine. This makes them uniquely capable of helping older patients in the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of internal diseases. Their aim is to promote health by preventing and treating diseases and disabilities that affect older adults.

Care Planning

Geriatric physicians are doctors for older patients that have specialized training in the unique medical conditions and needs of older patients. They are skilled in coordinating care for multiple chronic conditions. 

One key aspect of caring for older adults is care planning. A geriatric doctor is responsible for developing a comprehensive plan of care. They manage an older adult’s chronic conditions and maintain their overall health and well-being. 

Care planning may involve coordinating with other care doctors, specialists and therapists. They may involve family members and caregivers in their consultations.

Fall Prevention

As adults age, falls can cause long lasting injuries. Falls are the leading cause of both fatal and nonfatal injuries in older adults. Up to 30 percent of those who fall suffer moderate to severe injuries — such as hip fractures, lacerations and head traumas, according to Center for Disease and Control. These injuries can reduce mobility and independence and even increase the risk for premature death.

Reduce the risk of falls by removing or fixing tripping hazards from stairs and walkways, installing handrails on staircases and shower areas and walking cautiously.

Conditions We Treat

Our geriatric specialists can diagnose and treat a wide range of conditions, including:

Arthritis

Arthritis is the inflammation or swelling of the joints that causes stiffness and or pain. There are many types of arthritis and related conditions. Osteoarthritis is the most common type of arthritis. It is a degenerative joint disease that causes and predominantly affects older people.

Osteoarthritis causes the tissues in the joint to break down over time. Treatment of osteoarthritis focuses on reducing pain and increasing flexibility through exercise and stopping the disease from spreading.

Memory Loss

Alzheimer’s disease is the most diagnosed form of dementia. Dementia is a general term to describe a range of symptoms due to loss of brain function. Alzheimer’s disease is progressive and begins with mild memory loss.

Over time, symptoms get worse. People with Alzheimer’s disease may not recognize family members. They may also have trouble speaking or reading and may forget how to perform daily activities. While there is no treatment to stop the disease, some drugs may help keep symptoms from getting worse for a time.

Osteoporosis

Osteoporosis is a disease of aging that causes bone loss. About half of all U.S. women and a quarter of U.S. men 50 and older will break a bone due to osteoporosis, according to the National Institutes of Health. If you are a woman over 50, and particularly over 65, ask your doctor if you need a bone density scan to detect osteoporosis.

Sleep Disorders

People who do not get sufficient sleep, especially seniors, are more likely to suffer from chronic diseases. It can cause high blood pressure, diabetes, depression, obesity and cancer. A lack of sleep can even affect your immune system.

Chronic sleep disorders can also lead to increased mortality and reduced quality of life and productivity. Insomnia and obstructive sleep apnea are two major culprits, according to the CDC. Between 50 and 70 million U.S. adults are believed to have some form of sleep disorder.

Location

TexomaCare Denison
Texoma Medical Plaza
5012 S US Hwy 75, Suite 300
Denison, TX 75020
903-416-6015
903-416-6132 Fax