Geriatrics Q&A - Page 5

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Sudden Memory Loss in Elderly: Signs of Dementia and What to Do

Sudden memory loss in the elderly? Dear Dr. Shen, My father has been experiencing strange behavior over the past two weeks, asking the same question multiple times a day, which he has never done before. I would like to consult you on the following: 1. Is this a sign of dementia...


Dr. Shen Zhengnan Reply:
1. It could be a precursor or early symptom of dementia, but it may also be due to excessive worry or concern about something, leading to repetitive questioning. In addition to repetitive inquiries, early signs of dementia may include misplacing personal items, forgetting appoint...

[Read More] Sudden Memory Loss in Elderly: Signs of Dementia and What to Do


Managing Severe Osteoporosis in Elderly Patients: Alternatives to Surgery

Osteoporosis My mother is 82 years old and has severe osteoporosis, with weakened vertebrae. She is currently unable to sit or stand and can only lie down, experiencing excruciating pain even when trying to turn over. She is also unable to visit a doctor. Two years ago, she under...


Dr. Liang Yinpan Reply:
Concerned Daughter: Hello, osteoporosis is a condition where prevention is more important than treatment. It is advisable for women to undergo a bone density test around the age of 50 to understand their bone structure. Subsequently, they can take preventive or therapeutic measur...

[Read More] Managing Severe Osteoporosis in Elderly Patients: Alternatives to Surgery


Complex Symptoms: Seeking Solutions for Persistent Health Issues

Doctor, I'm sorry, but my symptoms are quite complicated..? My symptoms are as follows: 1. Since childhood, I have been dreaming every night until dawn. 2. I have been experiencing tinnitus for over a decade, which is more pronounced at night. I have also noticed a decrease ...


Dr. Liang Yinpan Reply:
Complex Q00: Your main issue is restless sleep at night, which over time can lead to various physical discomforts such as dizziness, tinnitus, generalized body aches, and difficulty breathing. It is recommended that you visit a nearby public hospital or medical center that has a ...

[Read More] Complex Symptoms: Seeking Solutions for Persistent Health Issues


Understanding Male Menopause: Symptoms and Supplements for Relief

Male menopause I am 58 years old and have generally been in good health. I was diagnosed with Hashimoto's Thyroiditis last October. After undergoing 10 weeks of acupuncture and traditional Chinese medicine, my T3, T4, and TSH levels are now normal. However, I still experienc...


Dr. Shen Zhengnan Reply:
Hello David, as far as I know, "male menopause" is not an official medical diagnosis, and there is no such term in psychiatry. The symptoms you mentioned, such as palpitations, night sweats, and fatigue, may be common anxiety symptoms in psychiatry. If these symptoms pe...

[Read More] Understanding Male Menopause: Symptoms and Supplements for Relief


Understanding Hoarding Behavior in Seniors: Seeking Help for a Loved One

Collecting scrap and bringing it home to pile up..? Hello Dr. Shen: I have a long-standing issue that I seek your professional opinion on. My mother-in-law is sixty years old and has a habit of collecting junk and hoarding it at home without organizing it, which has filled severa...


Dr. Shen Zhengnan Reply:
Hello, there are several possible situations regarding the behavior of elderly individuals collecting scrap: 1. If this habit or related work existed during their youth, it may be a continuation of their original behavior into old age, which, due to a decline in cognitive abiliti...

[Read More] Understanding Hoarding Behavior in Seniors: Seeking Help for a Loved One


Caring for a Depressed Grandparent: Understanding Symptoms and Solutions

Could you please clarify your question, Dr. Shen? Dr. Shen: Ever since my grandfather passed away, my grandmother has completely changed; she has become very depressed and seems to be lost in her thoughts. She keeps thinking about various things, and seeing her like this makes me...


Dr. Shen Zhengnan Reply:
Hello, elderly individuals who have experienced a stroke or the loss of a spouse are prone to depression. It is advisable to provide them with companionship and reassurance. If the elderly person continues to exhibit depressive symptoms (such as persistent sadness, frequent compl...

[Read More] Caring for a Depressed Grandparent: Understanding Symptoms and Solutions


65-Year-Old Man Reports Smelling Cooking at Night: What to Do?

A 65-year-old male woke up in the middle of the night and reported smelling the aroma of stir-fried food? As mentioned, family members did not smell anything, and there was no cooking odor outside. Currently, the patient is taking cardiovascular medication to control hypertension...


Dr. Ouyang Wenzhen Reply:
Hello, the issue you mentioned seems to be related to olfactory hallucinations, which is a rare symptom. It is often associated with brain-related problems, with stroke or epileptic discharges in the brain being the most common suspects. You may want to consult a neurologist for ...

[Read More] 65-Year-Old Man Reports Smelling Cooking at Night: What to Do?


Understanding Weakness in the Legs: Causes and Specialist Guidance

Weakness in both legs? Dear Doctor, My mother has been experiencing weakness in her legs for the past few years, although she is still able to lift heavy objects with her arms. However, due to the weakness in her legs, she is hesitant to go out for walks, and her physical condi...


Dr. Ouyang Wenzhen Reply:
Cendy2429's mother is likely over 70 years old. It is recommended to visit a medical center such as Cheng Kung University Hospital, National Taiwan University Hospital, or Tainan City Hospital to undergo a comprehensive physical assessment in the geriatrics department. If th...

[Read More] Understanding Weakness in the Legs: Causes and Specialist Guidance


Dizziness and Nausea in Seniors: Understanding Potential Causes

Dizziness and vomiting in elderly individuals? My father is 78 years old. Recently, he has occasionally experienced dizziness and vomiting. He has previously had some heart issues and finds it very difficult to breathe when climbing stairs or hiking. I hope you can help answer th...


Dr. Ouyang Wenzhen Reply:
Dear Mr. Hsu, 1. Your father often experiences dizziness and has difficulty with cardiac load when climbing mountains. A common cause of this is "heart failure," which typically requires evaluation by a cardiologist. It is advisable to visit a major hospital for a card...

[Read More] Dizziness and Nausea in Seniors: Understanding Potential Causes


Understanding Dizziness in Elderly Patients: When to Seek Medical Help

Elderly individuals experiencing dizziness? Doctor: Hello! My father is 88 years old with a blood pressure of 145/105 and a blood sugar level of 97/210 (he has been taking antihypertensive medication and medication for high blood sugar from Miaoli Provincial Hospital for a long t...


Dr. Ouyang Wenzhen Reply:
Hello Tian Tian, your father has a history of stroke, as well as hypertension and diabetes, which indeed places him at high risk for recurrent stroke or vascular dementia. Currently, your father is experiencing dizziness, and the first consideration should be "orthostatic hy...

[Read More] Understanding Dizziness in Elderly Patients: When to Seek Medical Help


Understanding Chronic Pain and Sleep Issues in Aging Parents

The elderly person feels unwell all over? Hello Doctor, my father was born in 1931 and retired at the age of 55 due to long bone spurs. He has chronic hypertension. In recent years, he has been experiencing widespread pain and has seen doctors who prescribed him a lot of medicati...


Dr. Ouyang Wenzhen Reply:
Hello Sandy, due to your father's widespread pain and insomnia, it is indeed important to pay attention to both physical and mental health assessments. If your father is experiencing depression or a low mood, the most common issue is depression. Additionally, if he exhibits ...

[Read More] Understanding Chronic Pain and Sleep Issues in Aging Parents


Caring for Elderly Family Members: Navigating Medical Support and Pain Relief

How to care for elderly individuals at home and assist them with medical appointments? Hello: Since general hospitals do not have a "geriatric" specialty, I am unsure how to seek medical help for the physical and mental conditions of my elderly family member, and how to...


Dr. Ouyang Wenzhen Reply:
Dear Rita, The field of geriatrics is not yet a common specialty in Taiwan. However, institutions such as National Cheng Kung University in Tainan and the Chiayi Veterans General Hospital have begun to establish specialized clinics for the elderly. Older adults often suffer from...

[Read More] Caring for Elderly Family Members: Navigating Medical Support and Pain Relief


Understanding Knowful Capsules for Mild Dementia: Effects and Precautions

I'm sorry, but "kowful Hello, my mother has been diagnosed with mild dementia, and the hospital has prescribed Knowful capsules (green and white). I'm not sure if it's just psychological, but I wonder if not taking them on time could worsen her condition. Addi...


Dr. Ouyang Wenzhen Reply:
Hello Ms. Jan, 1. Discontinuing Knowful (Nefazodone) and not taking it on schedule will not immediately worsen the condition of dementia. 2. Regarding the side effects of Knowful: a very small number of cases may experience emotional agitation during the initial treatment phas...

[Read More] Understanding Knowful Capsules for Mild Dementia: Effects and Precautions


Common Health Issues and Symptoms in the Elderly: What to Know

What are the common symptoms in the elderly? What are the most common diseases in the elderly? Or what symptoms are more frequently observed in older adults? Thank you!


Dr. Ouyang Wenzhen Reply:
Hello, I believe you are asking about the most common "mental illnesses in the elderly." The most prevalent mental disorders among older adults, in order of frequency, are depression in the elderly, dementia, delirium, and delusional disorder. Among these, the common sy...

[Read More] Common Health Issues and Symptoms in the Elderly: What to Know


Understanding Insomnia in the Elderly: Causes and Treatment Options

Insomnia in the elderly There is an elderly person at home who often complains about insomnia. He has been treated at your hospital for diabetes and has discussed this issue with his attending physician, who prescribed sedatives for him. However, he still cannot sleep. Later, sle...


Dr. Ouyang Wenzhen Reply:
Hello, may I ask how old your elder is this year? If they are quite elderly (for example, over 70 years old), the dosage of sleeping medication should be reduced by half, even if they are experiencing insomnia. If they have been taking sleeping medication for more than six months...

[Read More] Understanding Insomnia in the Elderly: Causes and Treatment Options


Understanding Suicidal Behavior in Elderly: A Guide for Caregivers

Suicidal behavior Hello Doctor: My 73-year-old mother was originally independent, healthy, and happy. However, after suffering from a severe cold in June of this year, her personality changed dramatically. She no longer enjoys dressing up, has altered her lifestyle, and has start...


Dr. Ouyang Wenzhen Reply:
Hello, Xiao Lan. 1. Your mother has exhibited suicidal behavior at least twice, and the risk of further suicide attempts or completion is significantly high. Based on your description, she is likely suffering from geriatric depression. It is also possible that she has dementia ...

[Read More] Understanding Suicidal Behavior in Elderly: A Guide for Caregivers


Understanding Depression in Elderly: Is It Just Aging or More?

Is it depression in the elderly or an issue related to aging? Hello Dr. Ouyang, my grandfather is nearly 90 years old this year. After my grandmother passed away over ten years ago, he has been living with my two aunts and often stays home alone. Therefore, we hired a female care...


Dr. Ouyang Wenzhen Reply:
It is not unusual for a 90-year-old person to have sexual desire and engage in sexual activity; however, attention should be paid to their cognitive abilities, judgment, and physical capacity. 1. In terms of cognitive judgment, it is crucial to consider whether the individual h...

[Read More] Understanding Depression in Elderly: Is It Just Aging or More?


Understanding Memory Decline in Seniors: When to Seek Help

Memory decline in the elderly? Hello Dr. Ouyang, my mother is currently 67 years old. Over the past two years, she seems to be showing signs of memory decline. She often forgets things that others or family members have just told her, and recently she has expressed that she frequ...


Dr. Ouyang Wenzhen Reply:
Hello: 1. If memory decline is significant enough to affect daily functioning, such as forgetting to turn off the water more than three times a week, or causing major incidents like getting lost and unable to find home or restroom, or if there are accompanying emotional and behav...

[Read More] Understanding Memory Decline in Seniors: When to Seek Help


Safe Candy Options for Seniors: What to Choose for Your Elderly Loved Ones

What types of candies are suitable for elderly individuals? My grandmother loves to eat candy, but she is quite old (over 70), and I'm worried she might choke on it, especially since sometimes she falls asleep while sucking on it. What type of candy would be safer for her? H...


Dr. Ouyang Wenzhen Reply:
Hello! Actually, sleeping with candy in your mouth is dangerous for both children and the elderly. This is because, during sleep, the reflex actions of breathing and swallowing saliva still occur, but these reflexes may not function as completely in the elderly or young children,...

[Read More] Safe Candy Options for Seniors: What to Choose for Your Elderly Loved Ones


Understanding Depression and Memory Issues in Elderly Stroke Patients

Geriatric depression and dementia? Dear Dr. Wen-Cheng, My grandfather had a stroke two weeks ago and was discharged this week after the blood clot dissolved. However, he is still having difficulty with his speech and often wanders around. We have had to go to the police station ...


Dr. Ouyang Wenzhen Reply:
Dear "yenhsi," Your grandfather has exhibited inappropriate behavior following his stroke, which is likely due to bleeding during the stroke that has affected the brain nerves in that area. This may not be depression but rather "organic brain syndrome," and ...

[Read More] Understanding Depression and Memory Issues in Elderly Stroke Patients




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