Consequently, clinical disorders often manifest as so-called geriatric syndromes, clinical illnesses characterized by numerous etiologies and complex pathophysiology. Common examples of geriatric syndromes are cognitive dysfunction, urinary incontinence, and falls. Geriatric syndromes increase in frequency and clinical importance in advanced age, growing more prevalent in patients older than 75 years. These syndromes are frequently encountered by physicians in ambulatory, hospital, and long-term care settings.
Geriatric syndromes reflect the presence of common chronic conditions in the elderly population.
In the United States, an estimated 90 million people live with at least one chronic condition that threatens their independent self-care or compromises the quality of their lives. Physicians should be able to identify, evaluate, and treat common geriatric syndromes and help their patients maintain a good quality of life.