Geriatric medicine specialists treat the special healthcare needs of senior adults. Their aim is to promote health by preventing and treating diseases and disabilities in the elderly. They provide primary care to adults over 55 and can diagnose and treat a wide range of conditions, including:
Alzheimer’s disease is the most diagnosed form of dementia, which 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, may 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 is a disease of aging that causes bone loss. As many as half of all US women and a quarter of US 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.
Parkinson's disease is a nervous system disorder that affects movement and gradually takes away motor abilities. It’s caused when nerve cells in the brain do not produce enough dopamine. People with Parkinson’s can have many symptoms, including tremors, difficulty walking, rigid limbs and a lack of balance. Sometimes, patients also lose facial expressiveness and struggle with clear speech. There is no cure, but medication and treatment can sometimes reduce symptoms.
People who do not get sufficient sleep, especially seniors, are more likely to suffer from chronic diseases, such as high blood pressure, diabetes, depression, obesity and cancer. 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 US adults are believed to have some form of sleep disorder.
Texoma Medical Plaza
5012 S US Hwy 75, Suite 300
Denison, TX 75020