Recognizing geriatric syndrome and its treatment in the elderly

Various health problems can occur in old age due to bad habits that you did for years during your youth, for example a diet high in fat and calories. The typical "package" of health complaints that arise in the elderly is known as the geriatric syndrome. What are the common health problems in old age, and how can you handle them so that you can continue to be a healthy elderly person? Check out the full review below.

Overview of the information about geriatric syndrome in the elderly

Geriatric syndrome is a collection of symptoms or health problems that are often experienced by the elderly due to various physical and psychological declines, socio-economic, and drastic changes in the surrounding environment.

The most common example is decreased appetite. In old age, appetite generally decreases. This loss of appetite can be triggered by physical conditions due to the aging process, for example a decrease in the function of the sense of smell and taste which makes the elderly lazy to eat because the food tastes bland. However, this can also be caused by psychological factors, such as living alone or depression due to the abandonment of a loved one. These various factors can cause the elderly to lose their appetite, and over time develop anorexia.

This syndrome cannot be taken lightly, because it can cause more serious health effects such as impaired organ function and increase the risk of death.

Various health problems that arise in old age

Geriatric syndrome is characterized by a number of health problems, ranging from impaired cognitive function, impaired daily activities, and impaired mobility. There are six categories included in geriatric syndrome, including:

1. Reduced mobility,which can be caused by lack of physical activity due to decreased physical function of the body and comorbidities. The reduced ability to move often makes it easier for the elderly to fall.
2. Falls and fractures. The elderly often experience falls and fractures due to balance disorders caused by visual disturbances, impaired balance organs, or motor sensors. This can increase the triggering of physical and psychosocial trauma in the elderly, such as loss of self-confidence, anxiety, depression, and fear of falling.
3. Bedwetting (urinary incontinence). Urinary incontinence is defined as the inability to hold out urine at inappropriate and unwanted times. In the elderly, this can lead to other health problems, such as dehydration as patients tend to drink less for fear of wetting the bed, falling and breaking bones due to slipping in urine.
4. Dementia. Dementia includes decreased memory, deterioration of cognitive function, changes in behavior, and other brain functions that interfere with daily activities. Dementia in the elderly can occur due to natural aging, Alzheimer's disease, recurrent strokes, head trauma, hormonal disorders, nutritional problems, etc.
5. Delirium. Delirium is an acute confusion which is characterized by sloppy speech, restlessness, difficulty distraction, fear, etc. This is caused by metabolic disorders in the brain due to metabolic disorders, infections, head trauma, or side effects of drugs consumed.
6. Isolation or withdrawal. Older people tend to withdraw from their surroundings, usually because of solitude, depression, and / or reduced physical abilities.

How to treat geriatric syndrome

Treatment of various health problems in geriatric syndrome will depend on the cause of the problem, such as:

1. Reduced mobility ( immobilisation ). Handling of mobility disorders in the elderly can be done with physical therapy slowly using supporting tools to stand. With this tool, geriatric patients are helped to learn to stand and walk slowly so that they can support their body and move slowly.
2. Falls and fractures ( postural instability ). Tell the team of doctors if a member of your family with geriatric syndrome has fallen or slipped because of shaking. The treatment given is usually in the form of exercise and physiotherapy which are useful for improving balance, walking, and preventing falls. The elderly are also encouraged to regularly consume calcium and vitamin D to maintain bone strength. Avoid smoking and alcohol consumption, which can reduce bone mass and increase the risk of fractures in the elderly.
3. Bedwetting ( urinary incontinence ). Elderly people will be advised to reduce their consumption of caffeinated drinks, such as coffee, tea, and soda, which can increase urine production. However, the exception is the consumption of water, which must be drunk regularly to prevent dehydration. Urinary incontinence can also be treated with medication, nerve stimulation, or surgery. However, it is still necessary to consult a doctor for a more appropriate treatment for each elderly person.
4. Dementia. If you find a family member who has this, then both the patient and the family need to be given counseling to monitor the patient's ability and consider using memory aids. This is because family support is very beneficial for geriatric sufferers who experience dementia.
5. Delirium. Handling of delirium in geriatric sufferers can benefit from counseling between the patient and family. This is useful to help the patient reduce the level of confusion, for example by reminding the time and place of a particular event or increasing contact with the person involved in the event.
6. Isolation or withdrawal. The appropriate treatment for geriatric patients who isolate themselves is to offer social activities or group support. In this way, the elderly can play an active role in these activities so that their confidence in socializing can increase and avoid feeling lonely.

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