Geriatric Neurology Care: How Internal Medicine Specialists Can Help

Geriatric neurology is a specialized area of medicine focused on understanding, diagnosing, and treating neurological conditions in older adults. As the brain and nervous system age, changes occur that can affect memory, coordination, balance, and cognitive function. Geriatric neurology addresses these age-related changes, distinguishing normal aging from conditions that require medical intervention. This field considers how multiple health factors common in seniors, such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and medication interactions, can influence neurological health.

The goal of geriatric neurology is to preserve independence and quality of life for older adults while managing or slowing the progression of neurological disorders. It involves assessing cognitive performance, motor function, and sensory abilities to create individualized treatment plans. Clinicians in this field often collaborate with other healthcare providers to address overlapping health concerns, ensuring that therapies account for the complexities of aging.

Common concerns addressed in geriatric neurology include memory loss, confusion, tremors, difficulty with balance, and changes in mood or behavior that may be related to neurological decline. By closely monitoring these symptoms, specialists can differentiate between conditions such as mild cognitive impairment, Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, and cerebrovascular events.

At Internal Medicine and Family Practice in Joliet, Illinois, the specialists provide integrated care for older adults, combining primary care and geriatric expertise. The clinic’s approach ensures that neurological health is evaluated alongside other chronic conditions, offering older patients a comprehensive framework for maintaining brain health, mobility, and cognitive function over time.

Internal medicine specialists are able to manage geriatric neurology issues because they treat the patient as a whole rather than focusing on a single system. Seniors often have multiple chronic conditions that interact with neurological health, such as diabetes, hypertension, and heart disease. Internists can coordinate care, adjusting medications and monitoring risk factors that could exacerbate neurological symptoms, creating a safer and more effective management plan.

Internists also serve as the first point of contact for identifying neurological concerns in older adults. They perform routine assessments of cognitive function, coordination, and sensory responses, which can uncover early signs of neurological decline. Through careful evaluation, they distinguish between conditions related to normal aging and those requiring specialized treatment, allowing patients to receive timely interventions that preserve function and independence.

Treatment strategies from internal medicine may include medication management, referrals for specialized neurological care, nutritional and lifestyle guidance, and recommendations for physical therapy or cognitive exercises. The specialists at Internal Medicine and Family Practice combine primary care with geriatric neurology oversight, offering older patients in Joliet comprehensive support for brain and nervous system health.

Internal medicine specialists frequently encounter neurological conditions that are prevalent among older adults. Memory-related disorders such as Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia are commonly managed, with a focus on symptom control, safety, and slowing progression. Patients often benefit from guidance on medications, lifestyle strategies, and support for caregivers, which can be coordinated by the internist as part of a broader care plan.

Movement disorders such as Parkinson’s disease or essential tremor are also managed through internal medicine. Internists monitor symptoms, coordinate medication schedules, and collaborate with neurologists, physical therapists, and occupational therapists to maintain mobility and quality of life. They also track associated risks, including falls, injuries, and complications from other chronic illnesses.

Stroke and cerebrovascular conditions are another major focus. Older adults with hypertension, atrial fibrillation, or diabetes face an increased risk for transient ischemic attacks or strokes. Internists conduct regular assessments, provide preventive strategies, and implement treatment plans to minimize damage in the event of a neurological event. Other conditions, such as peripheral neuropathy, chronic pain syndromes, and seizure disorders, are managed similarly, ensuring that treatment integrates the patient’s overall medical history and other ongoing therapies.

The specialists at Internal Medicine and Family Practice provide comprehensive evaluation and management of these common neurological conditions, offering patients in Joliet a coordinated care model.

Diagnosis of neurological issues in older adults begins with a thorough medical history and physical examination. Internists review past illnesses, medications, family history, and lifestyle factors that may influence neurological health. They assess cognitive function through memory tests, problem-solving exercises, and evaluation of daily functional abilities, which can reveal early signs of cognitive decline or other neurological concerns.

Physical exams focus on motor function, reflexes, balance, coordination, and sensory perception. Laboratory tests and imaging studies may be used to identify underlying causes or contributing factors. Blood tests can detect vitamin deficiencies, thyroid imbalances, or metabolic disturbances that mimic or worsen neurological symptoms. Imaging studies such as MRI or CT scans are sometimes coordinated by internists to visualize structural changes in the brain, rule out strokes or tumors, and guide treatment decisions in collaboration with specialists.

Internal Medicine and Family Practice in Joliet, Illinois, led by board-certified physicians Dr. Wael Mctabi and Dr. Samiullah Choudry, provides a full spectrum of services for older adults, including geriatric care, neurological assessments, chronic disease management, and preventative care.

Dr. Abdusslam Choudry, MD, a dedicated neurologist at Internal Medicine and Family Practice in Joliet, IL, specializes in geriatric neurology, offering thorough and personalized neurological care to older adults. With a focus on accurate diagnosis and tailored treatment plans, Dr. Choudry works closely with his patients to manage a wide range of neurological conditions, including dementia, Parkinson’s disease, and stroke recovery. His approach integrates both the expertise of neurology and the comprehensive care of internal medicine, ensuring that patients receive optimal support as they navigate age-related neurological challenges.

Geriatric neurology care is available at Internal Medicine and Family Practice. For more information, contact us or schedule an appointment online! We are conveniently located at 1719 Glenwood Ave Joliet, IL 60435. We serve patients from Joliet IL, Plainfield IL, Lockport IL, Channahon IL, Romeoville IL, Manhattan IL and surrounding areas.