Common Geriatric Disorders and Their Management

Common geriatric disorders

A number of health conditions may affect older adults that do not fit into specific disease categories, and can have multifactorial causes. These conditions are collectively referred to as geriatric syndromes (GSs).





The most common geriatric disorders include cognitive impairment, depression, polypharmacy, falls, malnutrition, and frailty. They can impact a person's quality of life, and their management requires specialized medical expertise.

GSs do not usually cause immediate distress or complication, but they can have long-term effects on a person's health and quality of life. They are often associated with aging-related physiologic changes, chronic diseases, and functional stressors.

Some geriatric disorders are also a part of normal aging and can be treated with medication, exercise, and healthy behaviors. Others, such as a chronic condition that causes kidney damage or reduces the ability of the patient to carry out simple tasks, require more extensive medical care.

One of the most significant geriatric conditions is Alzheimer's disease, which is estimated to account for 92,604 deaths of people age 65 and older in 2014. Treatment options vary depending on whether a patient has mild cognitive impairment or full-blown dementia.

Other common geriatric disorders are constipation, bloating, and nausea. Symptoms of these conditions can be quite serious, but they are easily treatable if caught early.

A geriatric evaluation is the process of assessing an older person's health and medical status to determine the best course of action. Some geriatric evaluations involve only a primary care clinician, while others are more intensive and include a team of medical specialists. panic alarm for elderly A comprehensive geriatric assessment (CGA) involves the complete medical history, physical examination, and lab tests to identify health problems.