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What is a Geriatric Assessment?
Erie Center on Health & Aging,
Geriatric Assessment Center, 1999
The physicians at the Erie Center on Health & Aging are geriatric primary care physicians who are skilled in conducting a comprehensive assessment of all the factors that influence an older adult's health. This Geriatric Assessment process includes an evaluation of physical status and medical history and treatment, functional status for ability to do regular everyday tasks, and cognitive functioning and mental health. Measurable tests may be given, including a mini mental status evaluation. The assessment is not limited to medical concerns, but also includes important "outside" factors, such as family and friends to assist or live in the home, recent deaths or challenges, and safety in the home.
Specific Assessments for Dementia
Some symptoms experienced by older persons are alarming to family members and must not be ignored. "Dementia" is a term used to describe a condition of impaired intellectual capacity, of which Alzheimer's disease (AD) is the most common. This progressive brain disease gradually diminishes intellectual abilities, leading to cognitive, functional, and behavioral deterioration. Dementia is not a normal part of the aging process; it is caused by abnormal disease processes. Quite often, the signs of dementia are first noticed by family members, not the patient themselves.
Early, accurate diagnosis is vital for both the management and treatment of dementia and benefits both the family and the patient. If you have noticed the following signs with your loved one, they should be seen for an evaluation by a physician. Physicians at the Erie Center on Health & Aging conduct full geriatric assessments to determine the cause of symptoms. As steps in this assessment, they will order blood work, a CAT scan, and mental state exam to determine the extent of the problem.
Their assessment will also include evaluations of other possible reasons for the symptoms in question. It is important to note that dementia can be a temporary sign of other problems as well, for example, reactions to medications, emotional distress, metabolic disturbances such as diabetes or renal failure, vision or hearing problems, infections or nutritional imbalances. It is important that someone with experience in diagnosing and treating dementia be consulted to ensure the best possible outcome for both the patient and family.
Does your loved one have difficulty performing familiar tasks?
- increasing inability to handle even routine tasks? For example, not remembering to get dressed, wear shoes or bathe?
- difficulty paying bills, balancing the checkbook or how to handle money?
Does your loved one have problems with any of the following?
- forgetfulness?
- repeatedly asking the same question, because they've forgotten the earlier answer?
- forgetting the names of people close to them, or repeatedly calling someone by the wrong name?
- trouble making decisions or poor judgement? For example, forgetting to answer the phone or take care of a pet?
- disorientation to time or place? For example, not knowing what year it is, their address or getting lost in familiar surroundings?
- misplacing things? An iron in the freezer, for example?
Have you noticed any personality changes in your loved one?
- inappropriate anger?
- mood swings for no apparent reason?
- increased irritability, especially with anything new or changed in their environment?
- withdrawal from activities they once enjoyed?
- wandering or pacing activity?
- using the wrong words or having trouble finding the right words to express a thought?
- not bathing or caring for their appearance when at one time this was very important to them?
Call the Erie Center on Health & Aging if you notice these symptoms at 814-453-5071. Through our Geriatric Assessment Center we are able to arrange for an evaluation, in coordination with your present physician, or to accept new patients.
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