Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation

Dr. Nancy Stiles, M.D.
Chief of Physical Medicine
& Rehabilitation Geriatrics

Geriatric Clinic Fact Sheet

University of Kentucky Geriatric Clinic
In the Lexington area, there is only one clinic that focuses purely on health and aging: The University of Kentucky Geriatric Clinic. This clinic is staffed by Dr. Nancy Stiles, one of the few board certified, fellowship trained Geriatricians practicing in the State of Kentucky.

Aging and Challenges to Health
One of the major challenges to health as we age is simply the misconceptions that abound regarding the aging process. One common misconception is that normal aging causes inevitable significant decline in health and ability. Rather underlying medical conditions are usually to blame. Another misconception is that "old age" problems are not treatable. Yet in recent years, treatments have been developed for a number of common age related problems including dementia, osteoporosis, and urinary incontinence. Seeing a Geriatrician does not mean that you are "ready for the nursing home." With a focus on preventive gerontology and successful aging, the Geriatric Clinic sees healthy patients who wish to age successfully.

An older person can have different health needs compared with a younger adult. Older adults may need to be screened for different conditions. An older adult may respond differently to medication also increasing the risk of side effects. Even nonprescription medications can cause significant side effects in older adults.

Age related conditions can be difficult to diagnose. Often, a condition such as weakness or falling is caused by a number of underlying problems. A comprehensive approach is needed to identify all possible causes leading to more thorough care.

What our clinic provides
The University of Kentucky Geriatric Clinic provides specialty geriatric care for individuals as they age. Although most individuals seen in the clinic are 65 years and older, the aging process begins at a much younger age. The youngest patient ever seen in our clinic was actually only 20 years old. A comprehensive approach is used in the clinic taking into account medical, social and personal values to generate a thorough treatment plan.

The clinic focuses on evaluation and management of age related conditions such as falls, frailty, depression, malnutrition, osteoporosis, functional decline, stroke, diabetes and general health concerns related to the aging process. The clinic also provides care for adults who are generally healthy but want to take an active role in aging successfully and focus on preventive gerontology.