Lesson Summary

Geriatric Syndrome encompasses various conditions prevalent in older adults due to accumulated impairments, compromising their compensatory abilities. Common syndromes include cognitive impairment, delirium, depression, falls, frailty, incontinence, malnutrition, polypharmacy, pressure injuries, and sleep disturbances.

• Screenings:
• Tools to evaluate health conditions before symptoms appear.
• Allow for early management and referral to appropriate providers.
• Assessments:
• Tests to evaluate presenting problems, confirm diagnoses, and aid in treatment options.
• Age-friendly providers use appropriate assessments and make referrals.
• Treatment:
• Providers consider the 4Ms (Mind, Mobility, Medication, What Matters Most).
• Communication with patients, families, and the interdisciplinary team is key.

Delirium is described as an acute, fluctuating, and potentially reversible mental function disturbance, often due to various etiologies like acute illness or drug intoxication. Delirium is common in older adults and must be differentiated from dementia.

• Delirium Prevalence:
• Occurs in different settings with varying prevalence percentages.
• Delirium Impact:
• Leads to longer hospital stays, increased mortality, cognitive decline, and loss of autonomy.
• Delirium Risk Factors:
• Factors include advanced age, cognitive impairment, infections, polypharmacy, and immobility.

Delirium carries significant financial burdens and impacts on healthcare costs, with effects on hospital stays, nursing home placement, and mortality rates. Understanding the distinction between delirium and dementia is crucial, as missed delirium cases are common.

• Delirium Screening and Assessment:
• Tools like Confusion Assessment Method (CAM) help in diagnosing delirium.
• Delirium Treatment:
• Focus on addressing underlying causes and providing supportive care.

Preventing delirium is possible through appropriate chronic condition management, early recognition of changes, and avoiding exacerbating factors. Understanding the shared language and engaging with patients and families for an accurate diagnosis and treatment plan are vital in managing geriatric syndromes effectively.