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Harrison's Principles of Internal Medicine, 18e
Chapter 72. Clinical Problems of Aging
Sections: Clinical Problems of Aging: Introduction, Further Readings, Websites.
Topics Discussed: aging; geriatric disorder.
Excerpt:"While an in-depth understanding of internal medicine serves as a foundation, proper care of older adults should be complemented by insight into the multidimensional effects of aging on disease manifestations, consequences, and response to treatment. In younger adults, individual diseases tend to have a more distinct pathophysiology with well-defined risk factors; the same diseases in older persons may have a less distinct pathophysiology and are often the result of failed homeostatic mechanisms. Causes and clinical manifestations are less specific and can vary widely between individuals. Therefore, the care of older patients demands an understanding of the effects of aging on human physiology and a broader perspective that incorporates geriatric syndromes, disability, social contexts, and goals of care. For example, care planning for the older patient cannot ignore the influence of life expectancy. In fact, the expected remaining years of life can guide recommendations about appropriate preventive and other long-term interventions, and shape discussions about treatment alternatives.Many chronic diseases increase in prevalence with age. It is not unusual for older persons to have multiple chronic diseases (Fig. 72-4) although some seem more susceptible to..."
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