Older person's health
Blood Pressure
High blood pressure is a risk factor for both heart attacks and strokes, and can cause many issues such as leg ulcers, blindness, erectile dysfunction and kidney disease. High blood pressure can be caused by diet, lack of exercise, high salt intake and smoking. Our doctors will check your blood pressure, evaluate the causes and establish a care plan with the aim of lowering you risk of complications.
Heart Checks (ECG)
An ECG or electrocardiogram is a test used to detect cardiac
abnormalities. An ECG can be used to check for many conditions
including;
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Enlargement of the heart
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Arrhythmia – irregular, slow or fast heart rate or rhythm
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Inflammation of the heart
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Cardiac Arrest
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Abnormalities of the heart’s electrical conductive system
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Congenital heart defects
Eye Health
Many conditions can appear or worsen as you age. Early detection and treatment are imperative in preventing the conditions to get worse.
Glaucoma
Glaucoma is the name given to a number of conditions in which the optic nerve is irreversibly damaged, causing degrees of blindness. Glaucoma is usually caused by high pressure inside the eye, caused by a failure of the eye to drain its excess aqueous humour. It can also be caused by nerve problems or poor blood supply. Once detected glaucoma can be treated and monitored by your doctor.
Macular Degeneration
Macular degeneration is a group of degenerative diseases of the retina that cause loss of central vision. This affects a person’s ability to see fine details and read, and can also affect the ability to do day to day tasks such as driving. Currently there is no cure for macular degeneration; however there are some treatments for certain types of macular degeneration that can slow the progression of the disease.
Cataracts
Cataracts occur when the eyes lens becomes progressively opaque, resulting in blurred vision. Some people with cataracts describe their vision as looking through a milky glass or fog. Risk factors for cataracts include diabetes, certain medications such as steroids, smoking and poor diet and a family history of cataracts.
Malnutrition
Many people find that as they get older, their appetite diminishes and this can lead to malnutrition. Many factors such as problems chewing and swallowing, changes to taste and smell, decreased physical activity, financial difficulties, and a natural decrease in energy needs can be the cause of appetite suppression in the elderly. Our doctors can evaluate your nutritional intake, and through the use of pathology, test your levels of nutrients.
Osteoporosis
Osteoporosis occurs when bone density decreases weakening the bones, making fracture occur more easily. Osteoporosis affects both sexes but occurs much more frequently in women after menopause. Resistance training or weight bearing exercises and a diet high in calcium and vitamin D can help prevent this condition.
Falls & Balancing
Falls are a major cause of hospitalisations in Australia. Many factors can contribute to falls risk, such as lack of exercise, certain medications, blood pressure disorders and certain health conditions. Our doctors can assess your risk of falls, and advise how to minimise the chances of injuring yourself.
Menopause
Usually occurring between the ages of 45 and 55, menopause is a natural process that culminates in a woman’s final period. The years preceding your final period can be filled with symptoms such as night sweats, hot flushes, mood changes, loss of libido, irregular or heavy periods, itchy skin, osteoporosis, vaginal dryness, discomfort with sexual intercourse, headaches, and difficulty in sleeping. Our doctors can investigate your menopause and establish whether you could benefit from Hormone replacement therapy (HRT).
Prostate Cancer Testing
Prostate cancer is one of the most common cancers in Australia, usually affecting older men. Prostate cancer, classified as an adenocarcinoma is caused by normal semen secreting cells that mutate in cancerous cells. Prostate cancer can metastasis and spread through the body affecting other organs. Two tests are available, a digital rectal exam, and a prostate-specific antigen (PSA) blood test.
Erectile Dysfunction
Erectile dysfunction is a very common condition characterised by an inability to acquire or maintain an erection during sexual activity. Around 40% of men aged over 40 have some degree of erectile dysfunction, rising to over 70% at 70 years of age. Erectile dysfunction can also be an early indicator of other serious health conditions, so it is important to discuss any issue you have with your doctor. As well as a health check, your doctor will also discuss the numerous treatments available to you.
Cognitive Function
As we get older our cognitive function decreases, and can range from a mild impairment to severe dementia or Alzheimer’s disease. Our doctors can help screen and refer to geriatrician specialists if treatment is required.
COPD
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease causes shortness of breath, cough, and sputum production and is usually associated with smoking tobacco. Our doctors can screen for COPD and offer treatments and advice on managing your condition. As COPD is not reversible, treatment is symptomatic, increasing a person’s quality of life.
Depression
Depression in the elderly can be a serious illness and if not treated can dramatically lower a person’s quality of life. It can be brought on by the death of a loved one, increased isolation, retirement, or medical problems. Treatments available can be either medical or counselling or a combination of both. Our doctors can create a plan for you which allow rebated access for psychology sessions.
Bladder Control Problems
Incontinence can be a highly embarrassing issue for many elderly people leading to social isolation, stress and in some cases depression. The different types of incontinence include stress incontinence, urge incontinence, overflow incontinence and functional incontinence. The causes of incontinence are varied and can include weak pelvic floor muscles, stroke, diabetes, Parkinson’s disease, dementia and certain prescription medications. Our doctors can examine and determine the cause of the incontinence, and