Geriatrics Q&A - Page 4

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Understanding Foot Pain and Swelling in Seniors: Causes and Solutions

Elderly patients experiencing foot pain and swelling? My father is currently 65 years old and has recently been experiencing foot pain, particularly in the knee and ankle areas. On days when he walks a lot, by the afternoon, the sole of his right foot and ankle become swollen, an...


Dr. Liang Yinpan Reply:
The most common causes of knee and ankle swelling and pain in a 65-year-old elderly person are osteoarthritis, followed by gouty arthritis caused by hyperuricemia. Plantar fasciitis can cause tenderness in the posterior ankle and the sole of the foot. It is recommended that you t...

[Read More] Understanding Foot Pain and Swelling in Seniors: Causes and Solutions


Understanding Blackouts: The Effects of Postural Hypotension

Sudden vision loss or blackout? Hello doctor, I would like to ask about experiencing a sudden blackout or feeling faint when getting up after sitting or squatting for a long time. However, if I pause for a moment or adopt a lower posture, the feeling goes away. I remember my teac...


Dr. Liang Yinpan Reply:
Hello JB: Your symptoms have been medically diagnosed as orthostatic hypotension, which is caused by a temporary drop in blood pressure leading to insufficient blood flow to the brain. This condition often occurs in patients with low blood pressure, severe anemia, or vascular abn...

[Read More] Understanding Blackouts: The Effects of Postural Hypotension


Understanding Blood in Urine and Cognitive Decline in Elderly Patients

Hematuria in the elderly? My father had a mild stroke about three years ago and has diabetes, which he manages with blood sugar control. Recently, we have noticed (1) a significant decline in his memory and cognitive function, (2) occasional hematuria without pain, and (3) a bloo...


Dr. Liang Yinpan Reply:
Ms. Luo: Hello! It can be difficult for the elderly to express their discomfort clearly. The possible causes of your father's painless hematuria include: 1. Infection 2. Stones 3. Kidney disease 4. Tumor. I recommend visiting a urologist for a detailed examination to identif...

[Read More] Understanding Blood in Urine and Cognitive Decline in Elderly Patients


Managing Nighttime Chest Discomfort in a 90-Year-Old with Diabetes

My 90-year-old father experiences chest tightness when lying down at night? Hello, Dr. Liang! My 90-year-old father, who has diabetes and hypertension, has been experiencing chest tightness at night when lying down, making it difficult for him to sleep. His blood pressure spikes ...


Dr. Liang Yinpan Reply:
Hello Leah: Regarding your father's issues, I recommend the following checks: 1. Are his blood sugar and blood pressure normal before bedtime? 2. Are his lung and heart functions normal? 3. Is his mental state normal? Is there any anxiety, depression, or signs of dementia? 4...

[Read More] Managing Nighttime Chest Discomfort in a 90-Year-Old with Diabetes


Understanding Excessive Sweating in Dementia Patients: Causes and Solutions

Profuse sweating all over the body? Hello, I have an elderly family member with dementia who is currently being fed through a nasogastric tube. Recently, they experienced shortness of breath due to phlegm, and their heart rate dropped to around 45, which required admission to the...


Dr. Liang Yinpan Reply:
Teresa: Hello, for elderly patients with dementia who are unable to get out of bed or turn over by themselves, experiencing sweating and body tremors, the possible causes and management principles are as follows: 1. Fever: Measure the body temperature; if there is a fever, seek m...

[Read More] Understanding Excessive Sweating in Dementia Patients: Causes and Solutions


Understanding Dizziness in Seniors: Blood Tests and Beyond

Dizziness - Blood Test Examination Hello Dr. Ouyang, my mother is 61 years old this year. In recent years, she has frequently experienced dizziness. She has been to the hospital for examinations several times, but they all said there was no problem, and each time they only perfor...


Dr. Ouyang Wenzhen Reply:
JERRY: Hello! Your mother is 61 years old and has been experiencing dizziness frequently over the past few years. She has undergone several blood tests at the hospital, all of which have returned normal results. I would like to know if there are any other symptoms, such as poor m...

[Read More] Understanding Dizziness in Seniors: Blood Tests and Beyond


Understanding Unilateral Leg Edema in Elderly Patients: When to Seek Medical Attention

Unilateral lower limb edema? Hello Dr. Liang: My mother is 80 years old and has thyroid nodules. She has been on antithyroid medication for many years. Last night, we suddenly noticed significant swelling in the dorsum of her right lower leg, without any pain, and the appearance ...


Dr. Liang Yinpan Reply:
Hello, Aimi: Your mother has suddenly developed significant swelling on the dorsum of her right lower limb, without any pain, and the appearance is similar to her normal skin color. This could be due to localized pressure causing poor venous return. She can lie on her left side a...

[Read More] Understanding Unilateral Leg Edema in Elderly Patients: When to Seek Medical Attention


Managing Appetite Loss in Elderly with Chronic Health Issues

The patient has not been eating much for 2-3 days? An 88-year-old patient with hypertension, diabetes, and benign prostatic hyperplasia who is wheelchair-bound and experiencing a lack of appetite and energy may require a comprehensive approach. Here are some suggestions: 1. **Co...


Dr. Ouyang Wenzhen Reply:
Dear netizens: Hello! An 88-year-old wheelchair-bound elderly person with hypertension, diabetes, and benign prostatic hyperplasia may experience loss of appetite and lethargy due to various reasons. The main considerations can be categorized into three areas: 1. Medical, 2. Neur...

[Read More] Managing Appetite Loss in Elderly with Chronic Health Issues


Understanding Sleep Issues in Elderly Patients: A Case Study

Sleep Issues in the Elderly Dear Dr. Lin, Hello, my father is 82 years old. Recently, he caught a cold, and two days ago, he started experiencing involuntary shaking of his hands and feet while sleeping, as well as talking in his sleep. Since my father values health and has not ...


Dr. Lin Jiannan Reply:
In your letter, you mentioned that your father has recently experienced "involuntary shaking of his limbs while sleeping, as well as sleep talking." These symptoms may indicate primary sleep-related disorders that are more common in some elderly individuals, or they cou...

[Read More] Understanding Sleep Issues in Elderly Patients: A Case Study


Understanding Brain Degeneration: Treatment Options for Seniors

What are the issues related to brain degeneration? My mother is 68 years old and has been suffering from severe insomnia since mid-year. After undergoing a CT scan at a certain hospital, it was found that she has signs of brain degeneration, specifically mild cerebral atrophy. Th...


Dr. Shen Zhengnan Reply:
Hello, A-Min. Knowful, Trental, and Ginkgo biloba all have effects on improving cerebral circulation, but there are still questions about their ability to prevent dementia. Although Ginkgo can be purchased at pharmacies, it may interact with other medications, so it's best t...

[Read More] Understanding Brain Degeneration: Treatment Options for Seniors


Understanding Rapid Weight Loss in Seniors: Causes and Concerns

Rapid weight loss in the elderly? Hello, my mother is 75 years old. In the past, she weighed about 57 kilograms, but this year her weight has significantly dropped to around 48-50 kilograms for unknown reasons (both muscle and fat have decreased). She usually exercises by hiking ...


Dr. Liang Yinpan Reply:
Hello SK: Your mother has lost about 8 kilograms this year and frequently experiences bloating, which suggests that there may be an issue with the gastrointestinal tract or related digestive organs. It is recommended that she undergo further examination at our Gastroenterology De...

[Read More] Understanding Rapid Weight Loss in Seniors: Causes and Concerns


Managing Nutritional Needs for Elderly with Reduced Appetite

Dad's appetite has significantly decreased? Dr. Liang: My father is 92 years old and has symptoms of hypertension, heart disease, and asthma, for which he is on regular medication. He currently has limited mobility (he can walk slowly but can no longer go down stairs). His a...


Dr. Liang Yinpan Reply:
Dear Mr. Johson, Your father is 92 years old and suffers from chronic conditions such as hypertension, heart disease, and asthma, and has been bedridden for an extended period. This has significantly diminished his physical strength, chewing, and swallowing abilities. Recently, ...

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Is Repeating Words a Sign of Dementia in Seniors? What to Know

Repeating the same words? Hello, my mother will turn 60 this November. Recently, I have noticed that she often repeats things she said a few days ago, and she is unaware that she has already mentioned them. I researched other symptoms of dementia (including Alzheimer's disea...


Dr. Ouyang Wenzhen Reply:
Dear Cat, Hello! Alzheimer's disease or dementia caused by other conditions can occur both before and after the age of 65. Your mother is around 60 years old, and although she does not exhibit other symptoms of Alzheimer's disease, the fact that she often repeats thing...

[Read More] Is Repeating Words a Sign of Dementia in Seniors? What to Know


Understanding Memory Loss and Heart Disease in Elderly Patients

Elderly Issues Hello doctor, my father is 84 years old. He often forgets things and forgets what he has done. He has heart disease and experiences daily headaches. Could you please explain if he might have dementia?


Dr. Shen Zhengnan Reply:
Hello, to assess the context, frequency, severity, and related emotional stress regarding forgetfulness, we consider dementia (Alzheimer's disease) related memory loss. Typically, memory loss in dementia will: 1. Become increasingly frequent, changing from once every three d...

[Read More] Understanding Memory Loss and Heart Disease in Elderly Patients


Understanding the Link Between Hypertension and Anemia in Seniors

Can hypertension and anemia coexist simultaneously? My mother is 80 years old and has diabetes and hypertension. Recently, she went to the hospital for a check-up, and the doctor informed her that she has anemia, which is causing her to feel dizzy. Her heart examination was norma...


Dr. Liang Yinpan Reply:
Hello Tina: Blood pressure is determined by the amount of blood the heart pumps per unit time and the resistance of the peripheral blood vessels. Anemia refers to a deficiency of hemoglobin in the blood. Therefore, hypertension and anemia are two distinct conditions that can coex...

[Read More] Understanding the Link Between Hypertension and Anemia in Seniors


Understanding Mental Health Issues in the Elderly: A Case Study

Mental disorders Hello, doctor! My mother passed away in July 2010. My father, who is now 75 years old, lives alone in a three-story house (the children live elsewhere). He has health issues, including hypertension and hearing loss, and he takes medication three times a day. In O...


Dr. Ouyang Wenzhen Reply:
Dear Sir/Madam, Thank you for using Taiwan e-Hospital! In your inquiry on Friday, March 18th, at 21:59, you mentioned that your father is 75 years old, lives alone, and is suspected to have "the nurses in the intensive care unit being harsh to him and wanting to kill him&qu...

[Read More] Understanding Mental Health Issues in the Elderly: A Case Study


Understanding Sudden Cold Sensations in Elderly: Causes and Remedies

Elderly individuals often experience sudden chills? Hello Dr. Liang: My father is now in his eighties, and I wonder if his sudden chills are due to the abrupt change in weather. These episodes come on very suddenly, causing him to shiver uncontrollably and tremble significantly, ...


Dr. Liang Yinpan Reply:
Hello Nini: When an elderly person suddenly experiences shivering, trembling, and shortness of breath, the first consideration should be whether it is caused by an infection leading to fever, which would result in a noticeable increase in body temperature. Secondly, as you mentio...

[Read More] Understanding Sudden Cold Sensations in Elderly: Causes and Remedies


Can Ginkgo Biloba Improve Memory in Seniors with Hypertension?

Does consuming ginkgo biloba help improve memory? Dr. Ouyang, my father is 84 years old and has experienced a decline in memory over the past six months. I have heard that ginkgo biloba may improve memory, but I am unsure if this is true. Could you please clarify? Thank you! (My ...


Dr. Ouyang Wenzhen Reply:
Hello: One of the pharmacological effects of Ginkgo biloba is its antiplatelet aggregation action. The Ministry of Health and Welfare in Taiwan has approved its (conventional medicine) indication for peripheral blood circulation disorders. There have been varying opinions on the ...

[Read More] Can Ginkgo Biloba Improve Memory in Seniors with Hypertension?


Dietary Recommendations for Dementia Patients Without Dentures: Soft vs. Semi-Liquid

For elderly patients with dementia who have had their dentures removed, a soft diet or a pureed diet should be considered? For elderly patients with dementia who have had their dentures removed due to the risk of swallowing, what type of diet should be applied: a soft diet or a p...


Dr. Ouyang Wenzhen Reply:
Mr. Chuang: Hello! 1. When a person with dementia (classified as having an intellectual disability or due to a mental disorder) has reached a state of "inability to express intent," "inability to recognize intent," or lacks the capacity for "intentional e...

[Read More] Dietary Recommendations for Dementia Patients Without Dentures: Soft vs. Semi-Liquid


Nutritional Challenges for Seniors: Addressing Eating Issues After Stroke

Regarding dietary issues in the elderly? Doctor, I apologize for the interruption. My father (78 years old) had a minor stroke a few months ago, and now he finds food tasteless, only eating a few bites at each meal despite the food being quite flavorful. Additionally, he has diab...


Dr. Liang Yinpan Reply:
Mr. Seven: Your father, due to his advanced age and many years of diabetes, has developed complications such as a stroke, leading to cognitive decline and symptoms of dementia. You may consider taking him to a neurologist or psychiatrist, who can prescribe medications to alleviat...

[Read More] Nutritional Challenges for Seniors: Addressing Eating Issues After Stroke




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