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Addressing Cognitive Decline in Seniors: A Guide for Caregivers

Grandma's cognitive decline issues? Hello, doctor. I would like to ask about my grandmother. Due to her long-term lack of outdoor activity and minimal exercise, she is now experiencing cognitive decline and doesn't even chew her food anymore. What should we do now? I am...


Dr. Ouyang Wenzhen reply Geriatrics
Hello Annie, this is Dr. Chang. Since Dr. Ouyang has left our hospital, I will be responding to your inquiry. Based on your description, I would recommend that you find a way to take your family member to seek medical attention. It is essential to first assess their physical and ...

[Read More] Addressing Cognitive Decline in Seniors: A Guide for Caregivers


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 Geriatrics
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


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 Geriatrics
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


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 Geriatrics
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 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 Geriatrics
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


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 Geriatrics
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 Geriatrics
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


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 Geriatrics
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 Geriatrics
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 Geriatrics
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 Geriatrics
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 Geriatrics
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 Geriatrics
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 Geriatrics
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 Geriatrics
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 Geriatrics
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 Geriatrics
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 Geriatrics
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 Geriatrics
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 Geriatrics
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


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