EXPERT
Dr. Pankaj Gupta, MD, MBA
Geriatrician
Dr. Pankaj Gupta practices Geriatric Medicine in New York, New York. Geriatricians prevent, manage, and develop care plans that address the special health problems of the elderly. Dr. Gupta works as part of a team with other healthcare providers, to address the natural aging that goes on within the body and to manage multiple medical problems and ensure social support.
Dr. Pankaj Gupta, MD, MBA
- New York, New York
- Accepting new patients
We Are Here To Help
The current healthcare system in America is fundamentally flawed. At the core of the health care system lies a perverse incentive to reward a high volume of services. This,...
Why does my mom feel breathless even after a bath?
My advice is to see your family physician. This could be a complication of diabetes.
My hands are shivering, is it a sign of a stroke?
Shivering hands without any loss of muscle strength is probably not a sign of a stroke. Sometimes it could be an "essential tremor," which is not a serious condition. Please seek READ MORE
Shivering hands without any loss of muscle strength is probably not a sign of a stroke. Sometimes it could be an "essential tremor," which is not a serious condition. Please seek advice from your doctor.
Is skin dryness common in older people?
Yes, dryness of the skin is common. She can stay away from room heaters and other sources of dry heat. She can use cream to relieve the dryness. Make sure she is hydrated with READ MORE
Yes, dryness of the skin is common. She can stay away from room heaters and other sources of dry heat. She can use cream to relieve the dryness. Make sure she is hydrated with water.
I am suffering from fecal incontinence, what can I do to treat it?
I suggest that you visit your primary care physician. Fecal incontinence can be a side effect from a medication, a problem with the nerves going to the rectum, or something related READ MORE
I suggest that you visit your primary care physician. Fecal incontinence can be a side effect from a medication, a problem with the nerves going to the rectum, or something related to your colon.
What is the best way to treat constant constipation in elderly?
Constipation in the elderly is tricky because it's not the same treatment for someone a lot younger. For example, if someone younger takes Metamucil, then they should follow it READ MORE
Constipation in the elderly is tricky because it's not the same treatment for someone a lot younger. For example, if someone younger takes Metamucil, then they should follow it up with a lot of water. But in the elderly, it's difficult to have a lot of water. So, I suggest prune juice for the elderly. If juice is not preferred, then I suggest 8 prunes throughout the day. I would stay away from iron supplements. Sometimes some medications that are commonly prescribed in the elderly have a side effect of constipation. Sometimes, the thyroid hormone is low and then the person gets constipated. I hope that helps.
Is depression in the elderly common?
Yes, depression is common. Unfortunately, with the elderly, sometimes depression can be "masked" by memory loss from a simple urine infection or from dementia. My advice would READ MORE
Yes, depression is common. Unfortunately, with the elderly, sometimes depression can be "masked" by memory loss from a simple urine infection or from dementia. My advice would be to get it checked out by a physician. There is a simple questionnaire that can be scored by the physician to diagnose depression.
How can I make certain my mom is taking care of herselff?
Check the fridge. Is she eating? Are her clothes clean? Does the house look dirty? Does she have a pet? Does your mom drive?
My father has lost his appetite and sleeps odd hours. What is the problem?
Sometimes, Dementia (or memory loss) masks depression and depression can mask dementia. With the concomitant weight loss, I would suggest that your father see a geriatrician (or READ MORE
Sometimes, Dementia (or memory loss) masks depression and depression can mask dementia. With the concomitant weight loss, I would suggest that your father see a geriatrician (or a physician that specializes in making sure our elders still function as much as possible). The geriatrician will perform a simple "memory check" by simply asking questions and scoring the
answers.
He/she will try to look at your father holistically by taking into account other medical conditions, what medications your father is on, and how much your father can do for himself.
I hope this helps.
answers.
He/she will try to look at your father holistically by taking into account other medical conditions, what medications your father is on, and how much your father can do for himself.
I hope this helps.
My grandfather is suffering from wound in the leg that is not healing. What can I do?
I'm sorry to hear. Please call your grandfather's primary care physician.
This sounds like this wound needs attention.
This sounds like this wound needs attention.
Sleep problems and Alzheimer's
Good question. I am glad you asked. We should make her environment comfortable and recognizable to her (even though she has dementia). Place objects that she is familiar with around READ MORE
Good question. I am glad you asked. We should make her environment comfortable and recognizable to her (even though she has dementia). Place objects that she is familiar with around her. Let's not look for medications right away...
My grandpa started walking much slower--anything we can do?
walking slower can mean a lot of things. It could mean that his vision might be affected. It could mean that he feels unstable when walking. It could be a condition like Parkinson's READ MORE
walking slower can mean a lot of things. It could mean that his vision
might be affected. It could mean that he feels unstable when walking. It
could be a condition like Parkinson's disease. I would definitely go to
your doctor and have it checked out. All the best...
might be affected. It could mean that he feels unstable when walking. It
could be a condition like Parkinson's disease. I would definitely go to
your doctor and have it checked out. All the best...
My father needs help but doesn't want to live in a home - what can I do?
Your father needs support. We don't want him to wander or fall. A geriatrician is a great idea. Depending on the social services that are available in your father's area, the geriatrician READ MORE
Your father needs support. We don't want him to wander or fall. A
geriatrician is a great idea. Depending on the social services that are
available in your father's area, the geriatrician can better guide you.
geriatrician is a great idea. Depending on the social services that are
available in your father's area, the geriatrician can better guide you.
My knees are cracking all the time - Do I need PT?
Often times, joints crack. This could be a normal process or can be because of some other process which needs a physician's attention. Before you go ahead with physical therapy, READ MORE
Often times, joints crack. This could be a normal process or can be because
of some other process which needs a physician's attention. Before you go
ahead with physical therapy, I would recommend getting it checked out with
your physician.
of some other process which needs a physician's attention. Before you go
ahead with physical therapy, I would recommend getting it checked out with
your physician.
Weight loss in an older person
The concern for weight loss is real, but I would not recommend an appetite stimulant. Appetite stimulants will not increase muscle mass. It has not been shown to increase muscle READ MORE
The concern for weight loss is real, but I would not recommend an appetite stimulant. Appetite stimulants will not increase muscle mass. It has not been shown to increase muscle mass. The more effective way is to hand-feed or even question any underlying depression...?
UTI infection question
Older people especially with underlying dementia are prone to a metabolic encephalopathy insult.
