Algeria introduces geriatrics as a medical specialty

Algeria has added geriatrics, the medical care of older people, to its national medical training, with a first group of resident doctors.

Algérie 360 reported that the Algerian Association of Geriatrics (AAG) had announced this first step and welcomed the arrival of the young doctors.

The association also thanked Mohamed Seddik Aït Messaoudene, the health minister, and Kamel Baddari, the minister of higher education and scientific research, for their part in creating the specialty.

Older patients often have several illnesses at the same time, and their care may involve several medical fields. Many treatments, the risk of falls and memory problems can make their care more complex.

Why the specialty matters

Doctors trained in geriatrics can help improve diagnosis, follow-up of treatment and prevention of problems linked to age. Geriatrics does not only treat illnesses in older people.

It also takes into account their physical and cognitive abilities.

A geriatrician follows long-term illnesses, checks for memory problems, prevents falls and treats malnutrition, a condition caused by not getting enough nutrients. The specialist also looks at mobility and independence.

The geriatrician adjusts prescriptions to limit interactions between different medicines.