Black Geriatric Medicine Providers
in Atlanta, GA

Black Americans over 65 are twice as likely to develop Alzheimer's as white Americans (Alzheimer's Association, 2023), but they are diagnosed later and are less likely to receive disease-modifying treatments. A geriatrician is trained to distinguish normal aging from disease, manage multiple medications simultaneously (polypharmacy), and navigate the high-stakes conversations around hospital discharge, long-term care, and advance directives.

A 2022 JAGS study found Black older adults with a geriatrician were 37 percent less likely to experience a preventable hospitalization.

What geriatricians focus on

• Dementia and cognitive screening
• Fall risk and balance
• Medication review, including stopping drugs that stopped helping
• Incontinence, sleep, depression
• Advance care planning and caregiver support

Advocacy prompts

• Can you do a medication review and stop anything that no longer helps?
• Do I need a cognitive assessment at this visit?
• What does a POLST form cover, and should I complete one?