Common geriatric problems Geriatric medicine is the medical specialty that deals with the care of elderly patients. The specialty focuses on diseases that affect older adults and includes a broad range of conditions. Most geriatric doctors work with patients 75 and older, though some geriatricians treat younger patients. The main goals of geriatric care are to help people maintain good health, prevent disease and injury, and enhance quality of life.
These conditions are often called "geriatric syndromes" because they do not fit into a specific organ-based disease category and are usually multifactorial in nature. They are a significant cause of hospitalization, disability and health care costs in older adults. Managing these syndromes is crucial to improving quality of life and reducing hospitalization. Dementia is the most common type of geriatric syndrome, but there are other types. Treatments can improve memory and slow the progression of the disease. Falls are another geriatric syndrome that can cause serious injuries to seniors. They can be caused by safety hazards in the home, medication side effects, walking and vision problems, dizziness, arthritis, weakness and malnutrition. |