Clinics in geriatric medicine
-
Clin. Geriatr. Med. · May 2015
ReviewInternational palliative care: Middle East experience as a model for global palliative care.
Care for elderly people with life-limiting illness cannot be delivered primarily by geriatricians or palliative care practitioners. The role of these clinicians is to help carers become adept in palliative care medicine. ⋯ The family bond in the Middle East is strong, but the emotional response to terminal illness may push families to request futile treatments, and physicians to comply. When palliative care is well developed and well understood, it provides a viable alternative to such extreme terminal measures.
-
Clin. Geriatr. Med. · Feb 2015
ReviewObesity and diabetes in an aging population: time to rethink definitions and management?
Regardless of pathophysiology and diagnostic criteria, the population of older adults with diabetes is highly heterogeneous. As adults with type 2 diabetes age and develop multiple comorbid health conditions, they may experience many challenges to good diabetes care and self-management. ⋯ Treating such a diverse elderly population may result in inadequate glycemic control either because of overtreatment, leading to hypoglycemia, or because of other complications and preexisting comorbidities. It is imperative that treatment decisions are based on patient preferences, unique and likely evolving health status, and longevity.
-
Because neurodegenerative dementias are progressive and ultimately fatal, a palliative approach focusing on comfort, quality of life, and family support can have benefits for patients, families, and the health system. Elements of a palliative approach include discussion of prognosis and goals of care, completion of advance directives, and a thoughtful approach to common complications of advanced dementia. Physicians caring for patients with dementia should formulate a plan for end-of-life care in partnership with patients, families, and caregivers, and be prepared to manage common symptoms at the end of life in dementia, including pain and delirium.
-
Clin. Geriatr. Med. · May 2014
ReviewSpecial anesthetic consideration for the patient with a fragility fracture.
In this article, an overview is presented of perioperative management of the patient with a fragility fracture, including preoperative risk stratification and optimization, anesthesia risks, anesthesia options, and postoperative pain management. Issues of preoperative evaluation that are of concern for the anesthesiologist because of their direct effect on intraoperative care are discussed. A team interdisciplinary approach and good communication between specialties involved in care of elderly surgical patients is important for optimal patient outcomes and to avoid perioperative complications. Cooperation between anesthesiology and medicine is indispensable in reaching a reasonable consensus regarding preoperative evaluation and should occur on a case-by-case basis.
-
Delirium is a common postoperative surgical complication associated with poor outcomes. The complexity of delirium demands that each patient be assessed individually and a tailored prevention and treatment regimen be put in place. Nonpharmacologic and pharmacologic strategies are available to achieve this goal.