October 2008

Q. My brother recently saw a Cardiologist, Neurologist and an Internist, had many blood tests and the only finding was that he has benigh tremors and unsteady on his feet (79 years old) but he is still extremely tired, so tired that he goes for a nap in the morning, do you have any thoughts on the cause for his extreme fatigue?

A. There are so many causes of extreme fatigue in the elderly - everything from depression to thyroid disease to even low B12 (which needs to be measured) and too many medications. Perhaps he would benefit from seeing a geriatrician? Someone who specializes in caring for the elderly? Although as an internist who cares for many seniors, I would think the internal medicine physician he saw should be a big help. What do they propose for a diagnosis? Does someone go with your brother to the visits and volunteers their concerns? Often men/seniors don't speak up. It sounds like he needs you more than ever to be his health buddy.