Reviewed by: Pavel Kornilov, MD, psychiatrist · updated 6 Nov 2026
Key facts
- Who leads care
- a psychiatrist experienced in working with older patients
- Format
- video consultation with the patient and relatives, family consultations
- Duration
- first appointment 50–60 minutes, follow-ups 30 minutes
- Confidentiality
- medical confidentiality under Kazakhstan law
- When it is urgent
- sudden confusion, a fall or signs of a stroke — call 103 or 112
- Outcome
- assessment of cognitive function and mood, a test plan and care recommendations
What you should know
Geriatric psychiatry, or psychogeriatrics, deals with mental disorders in older and very old people. The most common conditions are dementia of various origins (F00–F03 in ICD-10), mild cognitive impairment, late-life depression, anxiety disorders, sleep disorders and delirium. A distinctive feature is the close link between mental symptoms, physical illnesses and taking multiple medications at once.
Many older people find it difficult to travel to see a specialist, and a change of surroundings can increase confusion. An online geriatric psychiatrist consultation in Turkistan takes place at home with a relative or caregiver present, which makes it possible to assess the person in their familiar environment. The doctor helps tell normal age-related changes apart from illness, decides which tests are needed and gives advice on support and safety.
Signs That Call for a Consultation
- increasing forgetfulness about recent events, asking the same questions repeatedly
- trouble finding the way in familiar places, getting lost on the way home
- difficulty with routine tasks such as paying bills or cooking
- persistently low mood, loss of interest, talk of being useless
- suspiciousness, conviction that things are being stolen, restlessness at night
- sudden confusion, agitation or drowsiness, especially in the evening
- personality changes: apathy, irritability, loss of former interests
If at least two points apply and the state lasts longer than two weeks, it is worth seeing a specialist. Phone consultation is free. If life is at risk, call 112 or 103.
Causes of Mental Health Problems in Older Age
Dementia is most often caused by Alzheimer’s disease, vascular brain damage, dementia with Lewy bodies and frontotemporal degeneration. Risk factors include age, high blood pressure, diabetes, smoking, low physical activity, untreated hearing loss and social isolation. Some of these factors can be modified, which is used in prevention.
Depression and anxiety in older people are often linked to chronic illnesses, pain, the loss of loved ones, loneliness and reduced independence. Delirium — acute confusion — is often caused by infections, dehydration, medication side effects and surgery. Reversible causes of cognitive impairment include vitamin B12 deficiency, thyroid dysfunction and depression.
How an Online Consultation With a Geriatric Psychiatrist Works
Before the appointment, it is advisable to prepare a list of all medications taken, discharge summaries, test and examination results, and a description of the changes noticed by relatives. Good lighting, sufficient volume and help from a family member with connecting are important. The doctor talks with the patient, carries out short memory and attention tests, and then speaks with the relatives. An online geriatric psychiatrist consultation in Turkistan proceeds at a calm pace, with breaks if the patient gets tired.
A final diagnosis of dementia requires an in-person neurological examination, blood tests and, as a rule, brain imaging. Sudden confusion, weakness in the limbs, speech problems, a fall or a high fever are reasons to call 103 or 112 immediately. In case of severe behavioral disturbance and when safety cannot be ensured at home, hospitalization may be needed.
How we help
Comprehensive assessment
This includes assessing cognitive function with standardized tests, as well as mood, sleep, behavior and independence in daily life, and reviewing medications and coexisting illnesses. The psychiatrist draws up a list of the necessary examinations and coordinates the results with the GP and neurologist, which makes it possible to identify reversible causes of impairment.
Non-drug support
International guidelines emphasize the role of cognitive stimulation, regular physical and social activity, correcting hearing and vision, and a structured daily routine. For behavioral disturbances in people with dementia, the first step is to identify and address their causes — pain, discomfort, changes in the environment — rather than to prescribe medication straight away.
Medication
In dementia, medications from the cholinesterase inhibitor and NMDA receptor antagonist groups may be used; in depression, antidepressants chosen with safety in older people in mind. An important task is reviewing medications that worsen memory and increase the risk of falls. Prescribing and issuing prescriptions follow Kazakhstan law.
Support for family members
Caring for a loved one with dementia involves a heavy burden and a risk of burnout. Family consultations help relatives understand how the illness progresses, create a safe environment, learn to communicate with someone who has memory problems, and plan legal and practical matters. The online format allows relatives living in different places to take part.
Myths and facts
MythMemory loss in old age is normal
FactSome slowing of thinking with age is natural, but noticeable difficulties with daily tasks, getting lost or personality changes are not normal and require an examination to find the cause.
MythNothing can be done about dementia
FactAlthough most dementias are irreversible, timely diagnosis makes it possible to identify reversible causes, slow progression, reduce behavioral symptoms and noticeably improve the quality of life of the patient and family.
MythDepression in older people is just sadness about getting old
FactLate-life depression is an illness that responds well to treatment. Untreated depression worsens memory and the course of physical illnesses and increases the risk of suicide, so it calls for a specialist’s attention.
How an online appointment works
- Message or callWrite on WhatsApp or call — our coordinator replies within minutes, day or night. You don't have to give your surname.
- Doctor and timeWe match you with a psychiatrist, addiction specialist or psychotherapist and agree on a time — often the same day.
- Video consultationA secure 50–60 minute video call: the doctor takes a detailed history and uses standardised scales if needed.
- Treatment planYou receive a clear summary, recommendations and a plan: what we do online and what needs an in-person visit or home call.
- Follow-upOnline follow-up sessions, messenger contact with your doctor, and treatment adjustments until you get a stable result.
Prices in Turkistan
| Online child/adolescent psychiatrist appointment | 17 000 ₸ |
| Consultation for parents | 15 000 ₸ |
| Follow-up online appointment | 13 000 ₸ |
The final cost is agreed before treatment starts. Prices are in tenge and do not constitute a public offer.
Where to get help
You can book in Turkistan online or at one of two branches: 37 Tauke khana St., Turkistan, 27 Zhibek zholy St., office 28, Turkistan. Our coordinator replies on WhatsApp within minutes at any time, and a doctor usually connects by video the same day; home visits are available too — all city districts and nearby settlements.
Confidential and private
Information about your visit, diagnosis and treatment is protected by medical confidentiality under the Code of the Republic of Kazakhstan “On Public Health and the Healthcare System”. We never share it with your employer, school or relatives without your consent; the only exceptions are those expressly set out by law. For an online consultation your first name is enough, video runs over a secure channel and nothing is recorded without your consent.
Questions and answers
Will an older person be able to manage a video call?
Help from a relative or caregiver who sets up the call and stays nearby during the appointment is enough. The doctor speaks slowly and clearly, and headphones or a speakerphone can be used if hearing is reduced. If the patient gets tired, the consultation is split into parts.
Can I get a consultation without the patient?
Yes. Relatives can describe the changes and get advice on care, tests and safety. However, assessing cognitive function and mood requires contact with the patient themselves, even if brief, by video or in person.
How can dementia be told apart from depression?
Both can cause declining memory and interest, and they often occur together. The psychiatrist assesses the nature of the impairments, how they change over time and the patient’s mood. Telling them apart correctly is important, because cognitive difficulties caused by depression often lessen once it is treated.
What should I do if an older person suddenly becomes confused?
Sudden confusion may point to delirium, a stroke, an infection or dehydration and requires urgent medical care. Call 103 or 112. Once the person is stable, a geriatric psychiatrist will help with recovery and with preventing further episodes.
Which medications should I take note of?
Before the consultation, it helps to make a list of all medications, including over-the-counter drugs and sleeping pills. Some medications worsen memory and increase the risk of falls. The doctor will review this list and give recommendations agreed with the treating specialists.
How is confidentiality ensured for older patients?
All information is protected by medical confidentiality and may be disclosed only with the patient’s consent or in cases provided for by Kazakhstan law. Families in Turkistan can contact Psychiatry Online anonymously, giving only a first name and a convenient time.
Where can I be seen in Turkistan?
Online — from anywhere in the city or region. In person — at two branches: 37 Tauke khana St., Turkistan and 27 Zhibek zholy St., office 28, Turkistan. Both are open 24/7; home visits cover all city districts and nearby settlements.
Sources and methodology
This page was prepared by the Psychiatry Online medical editorial team based on:
- International Classification of Diseases ICD-10 and ICD-11, World Health Organization
- Clinical diagnosis and treatment protocols of the Ministry of Health of the Republic of Kazakhstan
- Code of the Republic of Kazakhstan “On Public Health and the Healthcare System”
- NICE (UK) and APA (US) guidelines on the treatment of mental disorders
- WHO recommendations on telemedicine and digital health
This information is for reference only and does not replace a consultation with a specialist. Editorial policy
