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 is this science? Let's find out.
What is gerontology?
Gerontology is a science that studies the aging processes of all living organisms, including humans. The framework of this area of medicine includes physiological, psychological and social aspects. One of the features of the field is that gerontologists work only with elderly people.
Problems of gerontology
Why is it necessary to study the aging process? The main task is the concept of the specifics of the development of a particular age-related disease and the appointment of the correct treatment. In addition, a gerontologist is able to develop the necessary measures aimed at increasing the patient's life expectancy. The search for optimal conditions for the he althy life of the elderly is also within the competence of a specialist in the field of gerontology.
A narrower specialist - a geriatrician - directs his activities to the diagnosis and prevention of pathologies of an elderly person. Moreover, the reception of geriatricsconducts not only on an outpatient basis 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 for diseases that are specific to the aging period, but also for general somatic diseases (occurring among populations of all ages).
Relevance of the speci alty
So, we have considered who a gerontologist is. What does this specialist treat? It would seem that a gerontologist considers 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 due to the slowdown of metabolic processes in the body of an elderly person. In this case, it is possible to avoid dehydration only if the doctor knows in detail all aspects of the life of an aging organism.
- Significant differences in the dosage rules of the same drugs for young and elderly organisms. Only a competent geriatrician can prescribe the right treatment.
- Due to aging, many pathological processes in the patient's body can be erased, changed, or even proceed in an atypical form. A gerontologist is able to determine the disease at an early stage, even if its symptoms do not appear clearly enough. Due to the timely appointmenttreatment, it becomes 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 the norm for a young organism may indicate the presence of a pathology in an elderly patient, and vice versa.
- Elderly people are an unprotected group of the population. They especially need competent care, which can be provided by a geriatrician not only within the walls of the hospital, but also at home.
Features of gerontology
An experienced gerontologist should be aware of all possible risks when making certain decisions about treatment. This is especially true for surgical intervention: an elderly person, as a rule, suffers from many age-related (and not only) diseases, which, in the event of an operation, can carry a potential danger to the patient's life. The geriatrician must carefully weigh the pros and cons, balance the benefits with the risks, and, based on their observations and conclusions, make the only right decision.
In addition to knowing how to cure a particular pathology, a gerontologist must also be a competent psychologist: older people are vulnerable and defenseless, sometimes sympathy and the ability to listen to them turn out to be a more effective treatment than taking medication. A sincere desire to help the patient, providing proper care and assistance in organizing self-care in cases of serious illness - these should bedoctor's goals.
Gerontologist at home
An elderly person needs periodic visits, which may cause some inconvenience in terms of arriving at a medical facility. That is why it is a common practice in the work of geriatricians to go to the patient's home. In a homely relaxed atmosphere, the doctor will examine in more detail, slowly, consult and answer all your questions.
If an aged patient has a serious mental illness, a gerontologist will help. A psychiatrist, who is also a geriatrician by profession, will be able to provide competent assistance and have 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 the National Research Medical University. N. I. Pirogov. Within the walls of the institution are experienced doctors who specialize in the diagnosis and treatment of diseases that are typical for the elderly. There is an excellent diagnostic base (ultrasound, MRI equipment, endoscopy, functional diagnostics laboratory, etc.). Surgeons work, as well as specialists in the field of restorative medicine. In addition, patients can also receive dental services.
In addition to the above,There is also a Gerontological Center in Peredelkino, a center to them. V. M. Bekhterev in St. Petersburg. The regions also have medical institutions that provide assistance to the elderly.
Cost of a doctor's house call
If we do not take into account the provision of free medical care to certain categories of elderly citizens, the cost of calling a gerontologist at home ranges on average from 2,000 to 3,000 rubles (depending on the region). For an urgent call, you will have to pay a little more.
