Internal medicine is a medical specialty focused on the prevention, diagnosis, and management of health conditions in adults. Doctors specializing in internal medicine, known as internists, are equipped to handle a broad and comprehensive spectrum of illnesses that affect adults. For older adults, this approach provides coordinated and thorough care. An internist can serve as a central point of contact, helping to manage complex health needs and track changes over time. Here’s more information on internal medicine specialists and what their role is for geriatric care:
Mental Healthcare
Mental and emotional well-being are integral components of overall health, particularly for seniors who may face unique life changes and health challenges. Internists play a fundamental role in a patient’s mental health care plan. They are often the first to conduct screenings for cognitive decline and mood disorders during routine visits.
Based on these evaluations, an internist may coordinate care by referring patients to mental health specialists, like psychiatrists or therapists. They can also review a patient’s medications to identify potential side effects that might affect mood or cognition. By monitoring symptoms and collaborating with other healthcare providers, internal medicine providers make sure their patients’ mental health needs are addressed.
Internists frequently help manage a range of mental conditions, including:
- Depression
- Anxiety Disorders
- Cognitive Impairment and Dementia
- Insomnia and Other Sleep Disorders
Physical Healthcare
Maintaining physical health is fundamental for preserving mobility and independence in later life. Internists work with older adults to support physical wellness by assessing health risks and providing personalized guidance. This process often involves discussing the value of regular physical activity and a balanced diet for maintaining a healthy weight.
For physical health, internists encourage patients to focus on establishing sustainable habits that contribute to long-term physical well-being. An internist can help set realistic and safe goals for lifestyle habits based on an individual’s current health status and physical limitations. They may also coordinate with other resources, like physical therapists or nutritionists, to create a comprehensive plan.
Chronic Illness Management
Internists are trained to manage complex, long-term illnesses. Many older adults live with one or more chronic conditions that require ongoing medical attention. Through routine evaluations, internal medicine doctors carefully manage chronic conditions and educate patients. They regularly monitor vital signs, assess lab results, and verify medications don’t have adverse interactions with each other.
Diabetes
Internists help seniors manage their diabetes by addressing the unique challenges associated with aging. They monitor blood sugar levels, review medications, and assess for potential complications that may affect the eyes, nerves, and kidneys. They also provide education on diet and lifestyle adjustments that can support stable blood glucose. Internists also focus on managing coexisting conditions commonly found in older adults, such as hypertension and cardiovascular disease, which can compound the risks associated with diabetes.
High Blood Pressure
Internists help manage high blood pressure, or hypertension, by regularly monitoring blood pressure readings. They may prescribe and adjust medications, discuss dietary changes like sodium reduction, and recommend physical activity to help manage the condition. Since high blood pressure impacts many aspects of cardiovascular health, internal doctors try to identify any contributing factors or potential risks.
Arthritis
In cases of arthritis, internists work to identify the type and severity of joint inflammation. They recommend strategies for pain management, suggest appropriate exercises to maintain joint function, and coordinate care with specialists, like rheumatologists, when necessary. Internal doctors educate patients on lifestyle modifications, like maintaining a healthy weight and incorporating low-impact exercises to preserve joint mobility.
Learn More About Internal Medicine
Comprehensive care is a cornerstone of effective health management for older adults. By collaborating with specialists and monitoring the progression of health conditions, internists make sure seniors receive consistent support. To learn how an internist can support your specific health needs, schedule an appointment today.
