An old person is experiencing the inevitable and natural aging of the body. This biological process is accompanied by changes in the work of all organs and vital systems. However, old people age differently. Those who monitor their health, and control their well-being, as a rule, remain active until extreme old age and enjoy a full life. Regular examination of an old person makes it possible to timely detect even the slightest malfunctions in the functioning of organs and systems and prevent the development of a serious illness. In this article, you will find out why it is worth ordering reliable companion care in Nassau County service so that the health of your old loved one remains in good condition.
Where to start with an examination of an old person
Disease prevention is very important. The treatment of any pathological process diagnosed at an early stage is more effective than in the case when the disease is neglected and has become chronic. And if a middle-aged person is recommended to undergo a medical examination in a clinic at least once a year, then an examination of an old person should be carried out every six months, even if nothing hurts. It must be remembered that many severe pathologies develop asymptomatically.
How to start an examination for an old person? First of all, an old person should go to a therapist. The doctor will draw up an examination plan and issue directions for standard tests, according to the results of which he will determine the presence of certain pathological abnormalities and refer him to other medical specialists.
Both men and women of the old age group need to undergo the following examinations at least once a year:
- Therapeutic examination, collection of anamnesis and complaints.
- Study of the weight-height index.
- Complete blood count, biochemical blood test, and urine test.
- Examination of feces for occult blood.
- Fluorography of the lungs.
- Electrocardiogram.
- Measurement of blood pressure.
- Ultrasound examination of the abdominal organs.
- Blood sugar test.
- Ophthalmic examination.
- Measuring the level of the pulse.
- Mammography (only for women).
Examination of an old person by narrow specialists
Cardiologist
The cardiovascular system is the basis of the life support of the whole organism, therefore, special attention should be paid to the examination of the heart. In old age, the load on this organ increases, and, as a rule, blood vessels suffer. Often the patient’s condition is aggravated by the presence of bad habits that have affected the body for many years. Both men and women over 60 need regular visits to a cardiologist.
In old age, many patients suffer from hypertension (high blood pressure), angina pectoris, and carditis (inflammation of various layers of the heart). For timely diagnosis, the procedure for examining an old person should include:
- blood pressure monitoring;
- daily Holter monitoring;
- ultrasound examination of the heart and vascular system;
- MRI of the heart;
- echocardiography
The results of these studies allow doctors to assess the state of the cardiovascular system, and the severity of pathological changes and, if necessary, prescribe treatment in a timely manner.
Phlebologist
Irreversible functional changes occur in the body of an old person. In this regard, blood flow slows down, vascular tone decreases, and there is a risk of thrombosis. To identify venous pathology, it is necessary to include a visit to a phlebologist in the examination plan.
Consultation with this specialist is necessary for both men and women. To obtain reliable information about the condition of the veins, you will need:
- visual examination by a phlebologist;
- ultrasound examination of the veins;
- tests for thrombophilia;
- duplex scanning of veins;
- phlebomanometry;
- CT and MRI of veins and blood vessels.
Endocrinologist
In old age, the hormonal background changes, and the work of the endocrine system is disturbed. The consequences of such changes can be unpredictable and very severe. The risk of diabetes mellitus increases, and there is a persistent enlargement of the thyroid gland (goiter). Due to a violation of the electrophysiological process, many old patients are diagnosed with hypocalcemia syndrome – a metabolic-endocrine pathology, which is characterized by a low content of calcium in the blood plasma. Therefore, the plan for examining an old person must include a visit to an endocrinologist. A narrow specialist will perform an examination, collect an anamnesis and prescribe:
- biochemical blood test for hormones;
- ultrasound, CT, or MRI of the thyroid gland;
- puncture of the thyroid gland;
- glucose test;
- measurement of hemoglobin.
Neurologist
With age, disturbances in the work of the nervous system are aggravated. To avoid irreversible consequences, old people need to be regularly examined by a neurologist. At the initial stage, diseases of the nervous system, as a rule, do not have pronounced symptoms, but in old age, Alzheimer’s disease, ischemia, neuralgia, and multiple sclerosis significantly reduce the quality of human life. Some neurological diseases are classified as incurable, their development can only be suspended. A neurologist for examining an old person will prescribe:
- x-ray, CT, and MRI;
- electroencephalography;
- myography;
- MR angiography;
- duplex scanning of the vessels of the neck and head.
These studies will help to identify the onset of pathological processes and make timely corrections to their development.
In addition, an old person is recommended to visit the following specialists:
- gynecologist;
- urologist;
- rheumatologist;
- psychiatrist;
- ENT specialist.
Early diagnosis of cancer in the seniors
The risk of developing various cancers increases with age. Cancer is treatable if detected early. Oncologists have developed special programs for the early diagnosis of malignant diseases, which allow for a complete examination of the seniors. They include:
- examination by a therapist;
- examination by a gynecologist and urologist;
- ultrasound of internal organs (thyroid gland, small pelvis, abdominal cavity, mammary glands in women);
- multislice computed tomography of the retroperitoneal space and abdominal cavity with contrast;
- x-ray examination of the chest, and mammary glands;
- extended colposcopy in women;
- ultrasound examination of the prostate and scrotum in men;
- laboratory tests for the determination of oncomarkers.
Summary
It is difficult for an old person to visit all the necessary doctors, as well as to take tests alone. He definitely needs an assistant. If you do not have the opportunity to regularly give an old relative time to go to the doctor, it is best to turn to the services of a companion or nurse. Galaxy Home Care will help you find a responsible person who will accompany your loved one to clinics, as well as monitor their nutrition and take necessary medications.
