Gerontology is a relatively young science that appeared in the last century (after the Second World War) and is actively developing to this day. What kind of science is this? Let's figure it out.
What is gerontology?
Gerontology is a science that studies the aging processes of all living organisms, including humans. The scope of this area of ​​medicine includes physiological, psychological and social aspects. One of the features of the field is that gerontologists work only with the elderly.
The tasks of gerontology
Why study aging processes? The main task is the concept of the specific development of a particular age-related disease and the appointment of the right treatment. In addition, the gerontologist is able to develop the necessary measures aimed at increasing the patient's life expectancy. The search for the optimal conditions for the healthy life of the elderly is also within the competence of a specialist in the field of gerontology.
A narrower specialist - a geriatrician - directs its activities to the diagnosis and prevention of pathologies of an elderly person. Moreover, the geriatrician is not only receiving outpatiently or in a hospital. In cases of urgent need (when the patient does not have the opportunity to visit a doctor on his own), assistance is provided at home. It is noteworthy that it is possible to turn to a specialist in this field not only on issues of diseases that are specific to the aging period, but also on general somatic ones (found among all segments of the population).
Relevance of the specialty
So, we examined who such a gerontologist is. What does this specialist treat ? It would seem that the gerontologist treats all the same diseases as an ordinary therapist. Why is there a demand for this profession? The fact is that there are a number of nuances that justify the urgent need for modern medicine in gerontology. These include:
- The need for individual selection of therapeutic measures in connection with the slowdown of metabolic processes in the body of an elderly person. In this case, it is possible to avoid the occurrence of dehydration only with the knowledge of the doctor in details of all aspects of the vital functions of an aging organism.
- Significant differences in the dosage rules of the same drugs for young and elderly organisms. Proper treatment is only by a competent geriatrician.
- Due to aging, many pathological processes in the patient's body can be erased, changed, or even occur in an atypical form. A gerontologist can determine the disease at an early stage, even when its symptoms are not sufficiently pronounced. Due to the timely appointment of treatment, it is possible to avoid often fatal consequences.
- Differences in normative indicators in young and old people. A competent assessment of any laboratory research or instrumental diagnostics is possible only on the knowledge of these indicators. What is considered normal for a young body may indicate the presence of pathology in an elderly patient, and vice versa.
- Elderly people are an unprotected population. They especially need competent care, which the geriatrician can provide not only in the walls of the hospital, but also at home.
Features of gerontology
An experienced gerontologist, when making certain decisions regarding treatment, should be aware of all the possible risks. This is especially true for surgical intervention: an elderly person, as a rule, suffers from a multitude of age-related (and not only) diseases, which in the case of surgery may carry a potential danger to the patient's life. The geriatrician must carefully weigh the pros and cons, correlate the benefits with risk, and based on his observations and conclusions make the only right decision.
In addition to knowing how to cure one or another pathology, the gerontologist must also be a competent psychologist: older people are vulnerable and defenseless, sometimes sympathy and the ability to listen to them are more effective treatment than taking medication. A sincere desire to help the patient, provide proper care and help organize self-care in cases of serious illness should be the doctor’s goals.
Gerontologist at home
The elderly person needs periodic visits, which may cause some inconvenience in terms of arrival at the medical institution. That is why the usual practice in the work of geriatricians is to go home to the patient. In a homely relaxed atmosphere, the doctor will examine in more detail, slowly, consult, and answer all questions of interest.
If a patient has a serious mental illness, a gerontologist will help. A psychiatrist, who is also a geriatrician by occupation, will be able to provide competent assistance and conduct a conversation with relatives on how to properly care for a sick elderly person.
The most famous centers of gerontology
It would seem that science is quite young, and not every hospital has a gerontologist. In Moscow, the task of getting an appointment with a specialist is not particularly difficult. The city has a long-established scientific and clinical center of gerontology, which is a branch of NIMU im. N.I. Pirogova. Within the walls of the institution are experienced doctors who specialize in the diagnosis and treatment of diseases that are characteristic of the elderly. There is an excellent diagnostic base (ultrasound, MRI equipment, endoscopy, functional diagnostics laboratory, etc.). Surgeons and specialists in the field of restorative medicine work. In addition, patients can also receive the services of a dentist.
In addition to the above, there is also the Gerontological Center in Peredelkino, the center of them. V. M. Bekhterev in St. Petersburg. There are also medical facilities in the regions that provide assistance to older people.
Cost of a doctor’s home call
If you do not take into account the provision of free medical care to certain categories of senior citizens, the cost of calling a gerontologist at home ranges from 2,000 to 3,000 rubles on average (depending on the region). For an urgent call you have to pay a little more.