Geriatric syndromes are multifactorial conditions common in older adults that don’t fit neatly into single-organ disease categories. These “complaints” often present as functional decline rather than specific symptoms, requiring a comprehensive approach that addresses underlying contributors rather than just treating symptoms.

Key Principles in Geriatric Care#

• Function over diagnosis: Focus on maintaining independence and quality of life
• Multifactorial etiology: Most geriatric syndromes have multiple contributing causes
• Medication review: Always consider polypharmacy and adverse drug effects
• Goals of care: Align interventions with patient’s values and life expectancy
• Caregiver involvement: Include family/caregivers in assessment and planning

Topics#

Mobility and Safety#

• Falls (Geriatric Evaluation) — Comprehensive fall risk assessment and prevention
• Orthostatic Hypotension — Postural BP drops causing dizziness and falls

Cognition and Mental Status#

• Delirium / Acute Confusion — Acute change in mental status; medical emergency
• Cognitive Decline — Memory loss, dementia evaluation, and management

Medication Safety#

• Polypharmacy / Adverse Drug Effects — Medication review, deprescribing, and ADE recognition

Function and Independence#

• Urinary Incontinence — Types, evaluation, and management in older adults
• Failure to Thrive — Unexplained decline, weight loss, and functional deterioration

Cross-References#

Many geriatric syndromes overlap with complaints in other systems:

• Memory concerns → See Cognitive Decline in this section or Neuro memory pages
• Depression in elderly → Depression (Psych)
• Weight loss → Weight Loss (Endo)