A Simple Guide: Understanding GERIATRICS Symptoms and Conditions

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As we get older, our bodies change in many ways. Some changes are a normal part of aging, but others can be signs of health problems that need attention. This is where geriatrics comes in – it’s the branch of medicine that focuses on the health and care of older adults.

If you’re caring for an elderly relative or are getting older yourself, understanding common symptoms and conditions can help you spot problems early and get the right help.

What Is Geriatrics?

Geriatrics is the medical specialty dedicated to the care of older people. It’s not just about treating illnesses; it’s about understanding how ageing affects the whole person, helping them maintain their independence and quality of life. You can learn more about the principles of geriatric care at the Liv Hospital website.

One key concept in geriatrics is what doctors call “geriatric syndromes.” These are health problems that don’t fit into neat boxes. They often have more than one cause and affect several parts of the body at once .

Common Geriatric Syndromes and Conditions

Let’s look at some of the most common health issues affecting older people.

Cognitive and Mental Health

Dementia is a decline in mental ability severe enough to affect daily life. Memory loss is a primary concern, but symptoms can also include difficulty planning, confusion about time or place, and personality changes . Alzheimer’s disease is the most common form.

Delirium is different from dementia. It’s a sudden, fluctuating state of confusion that comes on quickly. It’s a medical emergency – like chest pain – and often signals an underlying problem like an infection, medication side effects, or dehydration .

Depression is not a normal part of ageing, though it’s common. Symptoms in older adults can be different. Instead of feeling sad, they may become withdrawn, forgetful, lose interest in activities, or complain of unexplained aches and pains .

Physical Health and Functional Decline

Falls are a leading cause of serious injury in older people. They are rarely caused by a single factor. Often, it’s a combination of muscle weakness, balance problems, vision changes, medication side effects, and hazards in the home . Around one in three people over 65 and half of those over 80 will have at least one fall a year .

Mobility and Gait Disorders are closely linked to falls. A slow or unsteady walk can signal underlying health issues. Arthritis, neurological conditions, and muscle weakness all contribute to gait problems .

Musculoskeletal Conditions are very common. Osteoarthritis causes wear-and-tear on joints, leading to pain and stiffness. Osteoporosis weakens bones, making them fragile and more likely to break. A hip fracture can be devastating, often leading to a permanent loss of independence .

Urinary Incontinence – or loss of bladder control – is not a normal part of ageing, though it’s common. It can be caused by weak pelvic muscles, overactive bladder nerves, or prostate problems in men. It can lead to social isolation and skin infections, but in most cases, it can be improved with treatment .

Other Common Issues

Polypharmacy refers to the use of multiple medications at the same time. This is very common in older adults who are managing several chronic conditions. However, it increases the risk of adverse drug reactions and side effects like dizziness, confusion, or falls. Regular medication reviews are essential .

Unintentional Weight Loss is a serious concern. It can signal underlying malignancy (cancer), depression, or dental problems. Malnutrition weakens the immune system and muscle strength, leading to further decline .

Sensory Impairments, like hearing and vision loss, have profound effects. Untreated hearing loss is linked to social isolation and cognitive decline. Vision loss increases the risk of falls and makes managing medications difficult .

The Bigger Picture: Why Symptoms Look Different in Older Adults

One of the most important things to understand is that older adults often don’t show ‘classic’ symptoms of illness .

Think about this:

• A younger person having a heart attack usually feels severe chest pain. An older person might not have chest pain at all. Instead, they might feel short of breath, tired, dizzy, or confused .
• A younger person with an underactive thyroid might gain weight and feel sluggish. An older person’s first symptom might be confusion .
• A younger person with an infection might get a fever. An older person might not have a fever, but they might become confused or start falling.

Why does this happen?

As we age, our bodies change. Our immune systems may not respond as strongly. The way we process medications changes. Often, a minor problem in a younger person can be a major event in an older person’s body, leading to confusion, falls, or loss of function.

A fall is not just an ‘accident’. It is often a symptom of an underlying problem like an infection, a medication side effect, or muscle weakness.

Living with Multiple Health Conditions

It’s very common for older adults to have more than one health condition at the same time. This is called multimorbidity .

For example, someone might have diabetes, arthritis, and high blood pressure all together. Each condition can affect the others. An infection might make diabetes harder to control. Depression might make dementia symptoms appear worse.

Nearly one in five people in their 50s have multiple long-term health conditions, and this rises to two in three (68%) of people over 80 .

The Role of Specialist Care

Given these challenges, specialist care is more important than ever. Geriatricians are doctors who have advanced training in the care of older adults. They are skilled at interpreting these atypical presentations, distinguishing between the effects of ageing, disease, and medication .

They can help by:

• Conducting a comprehensive geriatric assessment that looks at medical, social, and psychological needs .
• Reviewing medications to reduce unnecessary side effects.
• Coordinating care with a multi-disciplinary team including nurses, physiotherapists, occupational therapists, and social workers .
• Focusing on what matters most to the patient – like maintaining their independence, staying in their own home, and quality of life.

The Liv Hospital offers a range of specialised geriatric services, from neurology to nephrology, with a multidisciplinary approach to ensure comprehensive patient-centred care .

Conclusion: What You Can Do

1. Don’t dismiss changes: A fall, sudden confusion, weight loss, or new incontinence are not just ‘old age’. They are signs that something might be wrong.
2. Talk to your doctor: Be open about your concerns. If you are a carer, share your observations. You are a vital part of the care team.
3. Ask for a medication review: If you or a loved one is taking multiple medications, ask your GP or pharmacist for a review to ensure they are still safe and necessary.
4. Stay active and social: Even small amounts of physical activity and maintaining social connections are powerful for both physical and mental health.
5. Seek specialist help: If there are complex or ongoing issues, ask about seeing a geriatrician for a comprehensive assessment.

Understanding the unique challenges of ageing is the first step to getting the right care. With early identification and a proper support system, many older adults can continue to live well, healthily, and independently. For more detailed information on specific symptoms and conditions, visit the dedicated GERIATRICS Symptoms and Conditions page.