Q1. Define geriatric syndromes. Discuss the causes, features, and management approaches for dementia, delirium, and depression.
- Geriatric syndromes: Multifactorial conditions in older adults affecting function, not discrete diseases.
- Dementia: Progressive cognitive decline, irreversible (e.g., Alzheimer's, Vascular), managed by meds and non-drug therapies.
- Delirium: Acute, fluctuating attention/cognition disturbance, caused by acute illness, requires urgent cause treatment.
- Depression: Persistent sadness/anhedonia, often atypical in older adults, treated with meds and psychotherapy.
Answer: Geriatric syndromes are a collection of common health conditions in older adults that do not fit into discrete disease categories. They are characterized by multifactorial causes, shared risk factors, and often result in significant morbidity, functional decline, and reduced quality of life. These syndromes typically involve multiple organ systems and often arise from the cumulative effect of age-related physiological changes interacting with specific disease states and environmental factors. ...