Which specialist is responsible for diagnosing and treating diseases of elderly people?

A geriatrician is specifically trained to diagnose, treat, and manage the health care needs of elderly patients. This specialty focuses on the complexities of aging and the multiple health issues that can arise in older adults. Geriatricians have expertise in the unique physiological changes that occur with aging, allowing them to provide comprehensive care that considers not only medical conditions but also the social and psychological aspects that impact elderly patients.

While gerontologists study the aging process and the various aspects related to it, their primary role is more oriented towards research and education about aging, rather than direct medical treatment. Internists focus on adult medicine and can treat a wide range of conditions, but they do not specialize in the unique needs of elderly populations as geriatricians do. Oncologists specialize specifically in the diagnosis and treatment of cancer, which is not exclusively related to conditions that affect the elderly. Therefore, for diagnosing and treating diseases specifically pertaining to elderly people, the correct pathway is through a geriatrician.