Please enable JavaScript.
Coggle requires JavaScript to display documents.
Introduction to Geriatric Medicine - Coggle Diagram
Introduction to Geriatric Medicine
Definition of Geriatric Medicine
A medical specialty concerned with physical, mental, functional, and social conditions in older patients.
Covers acute, chronic, rehabilitative, preventive, and end-of-life care.
Importance of a Specialized Approach
Elderly patients present illnesses differently compared to younger people.
Diseases may manifest subtly, with less typical signs (e.g., infections may lack fever).
Requires a multidisciplinary approach addressing biological, psychological, and social aspects.
Aims of Geriatric Medicine
Maintain health in old age through disease prevention and social engagement.
Early detection and treatment of diseases.
Preserve independence for as long as possible.
Provide compassionate care in terminal illness.
Misconceptions about Aging & Disease
Age and disease are not synonymous.
Many illnesses and disabilities in older adults are treatable, but misconceptions may delay care.
Scope of Practice
Requires diagnostic skills and ability to manage uncertainty due to complex co-morbidities.
Focuses on frailty, atypical disease presentation, slower treatment responses, uncertain prognosis, and rehabilitation needs.
Involves both hospital-based and community-based care with teamwork and patient-centered approaches.
Special Presenting Symptoms in Old Age
Elderly patients often present with four key symptoms regardless of disease:
Mental confusion
Incontinence
Instability
Immobility
Atypical Symptomatology
Pain perception differs in older adults.
Fever may be minimal, and leukocytosis (white blood cell increase) may be absent even during infection.
Confusion can mask other serious illnesses like myocardial infarction or appendicitis.
Drug Therapy & the Elderly
Aging alters drug handling (pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics).
Pharmacokinetics (ADME):
Reduced absorption from intestines.
Changes in distribution (↓ body water, ↑ body fat).
Decreased liver metabolism.
Reduced renal excretion.
Results in higher risk of drug toxicity and adverse drug reactions.
Acute Illness in the Elderly
Acute brain failure/confusion often results from impaired oxygen or blood supply to the brain.
Causes include infections (pneumonia, influenza), cardiac conditions, metabolic disturbances (uremia, hyperglycemia), and drug poisoning.
Chronic Illness in the Elderly
Longer lifespan increases likelihood of chronic diseases such as COPD and Parkinson’s disease.
Chronic conditions often compound functional decline and dependency.