Aging is not simply a collection of diseases—and caring for older adults requires more than treating one diagnosis at a time.
GERIATRIC MEDICINE offers a comprehensive and accessible introduction to the science, clinical principles, and human realities of caring for older adults. Rather than viewing aging as an inevitable decline, this guide explores how biological changes, functional status, chronic conditions, medications, cognition, nutrition, and personal goals interact throughout later life.
Beginning with the biology of aging and the evolution of geriatric medicine, the book introduces Comprehensive Geriatric Assessment and explores major geriatric syndromes including frailty, falls, delirium, dementia, depression, malnutrition, and sensory impairment. It then examines polypharmacy, the Beers Criteria, safe prescribing, and deprescribing before moving into cardiovascular disease, diabetes, osteoporosis, sarcopenia, kidney disease, rehabilitation, and geriatric oncology.
The discussion extends beyond diagnosis and treatment to long-term care, caregiving, elder abuse, ethical decision-making, palliative and end-of-life care, and the technologies shaping the future of geriatric practice.
With an emphasis on individualized, person-centered care, this book is designed to help readers understand not only what conditions affect older adults, but why those conditions may present differently and how care can be thoughtfully adapted.
A valuable resource for students, healthcare professionals, caregivers, and anyone seeking a deeper understanding of aging and compassionate elder care.