EXPERT
Dr. Shannon Tapia
Geriatrician
Dr. Shannon Tapia practices Geriatric Medicine in Lubbock, Texas. Geriatricians prevent, manage, and develop care plans that address the special health problems of the elderly. Dr. Tapia 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. Shannon Tapia
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Is Parkinson's disease curable?
There is not a cure. A neurologist would be the best person to ask into the realistic options for cure in her lifetime. Depending on her type of PD, she might be a candidate for READ MORE
There is not a cure. A neurologist would be the best person to ask into the realistic options for cure in her lifetime. Depending on her type of PD, she might be a candidate for Deep Brain Stim.
At what age does Parkinson's disease typically present itself?
It is variable and can be as early as late 30's to much later in life. Everyone is different. He should see a neurologist if you are worried.
How can I make certain my mom is taking care of herselff?
How often do you see her? Is she bathed, well kept, dressing herself and generally managing her life? If so, then she's taking care of herself. Visit her and observe.
I am suffering from fecal incontinence, what can I do to treat it?
Taking an over-the-counter fiber supplement should help bulken your stools. Also, have your doctor review your medications for anything that could be causing it as a side effect READ MORE
Taking an over-the-counter fiber supplement should help bulken your stools. Also, have your doctor review your medications for anything that could be causing it as a side effect would be helpful.
Why does my mom feel breathless even after a bath?
There could be a variety of reasons, but with her history of diabetes, my biggest concerns would be fluid retention in her lungs either due to Congestive Heart Failure or Kidney READ MORE
There could be a variety of reasons, but with her history of diabetes, my biggest concerns would be fluid retention in her lungs either due to Congestive Heart Failure or Kidney disease or a bit of both. I recommend she bring this to the attention of her PCP immediately. Also, it is very possible that she is just extremely deconditioned and needs to work her way back into activity.
My hands are shivering, is it a sign of a stroke?
Not necessarily a sign of stroke. However, having a medical professional observe what I suspect is a tremor would be necessary to help you know what is going on and what tests READ MORE
Not necessarily a sign of stroke. However, having a medical professional observe what I suspect is a tremor would be necessary to help you know what is going on and what tests may or may not be needed. Some tremors are totally benign. Some are signs of other diseases. Please see a doctor.
Is skin dryness common in older people?
It is very common. Getting a good lotion and applying daily/twice a day should help significantly with the itching and the dry skin. Many patients like Aquaphor or the generic READ MORE
It is very common. Getting a good lotion and applying daily/twice a day should help significantly with the itching and the dry skin. Many patients like Aquaphor or the generic equivalent. Also Amlactin is good and easy to spread.
My grandfather is suffering from wound in the leg that is not healing. What can I do?
If your description is accurate, he needs hospital medical attention STAT because it sounds severely infected. And given his age, yes there is a chance it won't heal. Get him to READ MORE
If your description is accurate, he needs hospital medical attention STAT because it sounds severely infected. And given his age, yes there is a chance it won't heal. Get him to the ER if you haven't already.
Is depression in the elderly common?
YES AND YES.
Can diabetes cause numbness and itching in my hands?
It could be due to Diabetic Neuropathy. Elevated sugars for prolonged periods are toxic to neurons. You may also want to get checked out for carpal tunnel syndrome.
Can gestational diabetes during pregnancy harm the baby?
Your doctor should be discussing this with you. Short answer, yes elevated sugar levels can cause problems with your baby. It will be VERY important for you to have close follow READ MORE
Your doctor should be discussing this with you. Short answer, yes elevated sugar levels can cause problems with your baby. It will be VERY important for you to have close follow up with your OB/GYNE and manage your sugars during your pregnancy.
My father has lost his appetite and sleeps odd hours. What is the problem?
There are a variety of things that could cause this, including Alzheimer's disease, thyroid dysfunction and issues with electrolytes. I highly recommend he have a physician see READ MORE
There are a variety of things that could cause this, including Alzheimer's disease, thyroid dysfunction and issues with electrolytes. I highly recommend he have a physician see him, do a cognitive evaluation and a lab workup.
I think my grandfather is showing first signs of memory loss. What can I do?
It's good that you notice signs early. The best thing to do would be to request his primary physician do a Memory Evaluation on him to screen for signs of cognitive issues and READ MORE
It's good that you notice signs early. The best thing to do would be to request his primary physician do a Memory Evaluation on him to screen for signs of cognitive issues and Dementia. Also, if you haven't already done so, make sure he's written down or discusses his preferences for medical treatment and Advanced Directives now, including naming a medical power of attorney and a financial power of attorney. If he is managing finances still, make sure his wife is able to keep tabs so nothing goes awry.
My knees are cracking all the time - Do I need PT?
Short answer - no. Cracking is normal. If you have pain though, that's a different story. If pain is an issue, PT would be beneficial.
My father needs help but doesn't want to live in a home - what can I do?
This is a really tough situation. We always want to respect someone's independence for as long as possible, but if memory becomes a big enough issue then their independence often READ MORE
This is a really tough situation. We always want to respect someone's independence for as long as possible, but if memory becomes a big enough issue then their independence often comes at the price of their own physical safety (and if they're still driving, possibly the safety of those on the road with them). I am not sure where you live, however if there is a Geriatrician nearby you should be requesting a complete Geriatric Assessment (should screen for physical and memory issues), including a cognitive evaluation and possibly a capacity evaluation too. Frequently there are local versions of Adult protective services or offices of the aging (in TX it's DADS) that can help set your father up with local resources to help keep him independent. Although these are all location dependent. Look into something called the PACE (Program for ALL Inclusive CARE for Elderly) program and if there is one in the area your father lives.
UTI infection question
A UTI (or any infection or medical issue really) can cause something known as Delirium in an older person. Delirium is like acute brain failure. It can make people act very off, READ MORE
A UTI (or any infection or medical issue really) can cause something known as Delirium in an older person. Delirium is like acute brain failure. It can make people act very off, sometimes psychotic, and definitely impairs memory. Treating the underlying issue appropriately (UTI) is the treatment. However if the older person already had memory issues related to dementia, sometimes they never recover to their prior cognitive background.
Weight loss in an older person
At this time, would need more information. Is she on any other medications (sometimes meds can suppress appetite)? Has she had any blood work (CMP, CBC, TSH) or imaging studies READ MORE
At this time, would need more information. Is she on any other medications (sometimes meds can suppress appetite)? Has she had any blood work (CMP, CBC, TSH) or imaging studies recently? If she is healthy otherwise, she needs a medical workup first and likely a memory eval before jumping to appetite stimulants. If there isn't a medical cause, often early and unrecognized dementia (Alzheimer's) leads to weight loss because people just forget to eat or if they've already eaten.
When should I see a geriatrician?
As a Geriatrician I am biased and inclined to say yes because I'd probably love to have you as my patient. But truthfully the answer is no, you should be fine with your family READ MORE
As a Geriatrician I am biased and inclined to say yes because I'd probably love to have you as my patient. But truthfully the answer is no, you should be fine with your family doc or Internist. There are not many Geriatricians out there and it sounds like you are doing great. Things you should be weary of are changes in your own cognition (then ask for a memory screen), medication interactions, or if you suddenly find yourself unable to exercise every day like you do. But of course, if you have access to a Geriatrician, then go for it! But it's not necessary.
My grandpa started walking much slower--anything we can do?
This isn't part of getting old per se unless there is something else going on. If you have good primary care in the area he should start there for a medical exam and review of READ MORE
This isn't part of getting old per se unless there is something else going on. If you have good primary care in the area he should start there for a medical exam and review of his medications and maybe consider a neurologist (Parkinson's disease can present early like this). And at minimum the PCP could refer him to Physical Therapy for strength building.
Sleep problems and Alzheimer's
This must be so hard on both of you. Things that don't require her doctor would be trying to keep her more active during the day (so she's more tired at night). Sometimes that READ MORE
This must be so hard on both of you. Things that don't require her doctor would be trying to keep her more active during the day (so she's more tired at night). Sometimes that requires hiring outside help like home PT or getting her to an adult day care setting so she's engaged if you need to work. Otherwise for medications you would need to consult her doctor as the meds for sleep all have risks. The only safe OTC option would be melatonin 3 to 5mg in evening. DO NOT give her benadryl!
