Getting to know Geriatric Syndrome and its Handling in the Elderly

Geriatric syndrome is a series of clinical conditions in the elderly (elderly) that can have an impact on decreased quality of life, disability, and even the risk of death. Geriatric Syndrome is a condition that is caused by various factors and involves many parts of the body. Four common risk factors for geriatric syndrome include: old age, impaired cognitive function, disruption of daily activities and impaired mobility.

Types of Geriatric Syndrome in the Elderly

Until now, a clear understanding of geriatric syndrome is still difficult to understand. The conditions that are included as part of geriatric syndrome generally include:

• Delirium.
• Dementia.
• Risk of fall.
• Weak.
• Dizzy.
• Urinary incontinence.
• Malnutrition or malnutrition.
• Hearing and visual impairment.
• Sleep disturbance.
• It's hard to eat
• Osteopenia (decreased bone density) or osteoporosis.

Management and Treatment of Geriatric Syndrome in the Elderly

There are a variety of treatments available to treat geriatric syndrome according to the conditions of the participant, namely:

• Urinary incontinence. The elderly with this condition are advised to reduce consumption of coffee, alcoholic beverages, and avoid smoking. Urinary incontinence can generally be treated with medication, medical aids, intervention therapy, electrical stimulation of several nerves, bladder training, and lower pelvic floor exercises with Kegel exercises. So, don't hesitate to consult a doctor.
• Sleep disturbance. This condition can affect the quality of life and affect the health conditions of the elderly. Sleep disorders can be treated with cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and prescription drugs.
• Delirium. It is a medical emergency in the form of severe confusion that occurs suddenly. Elderly with geriatric syndrome who experience delirium needs to get close observation at the hospital. Delirium treatment is done by treating the cause that triggers the emergence of delirium. Therapy in delirium aims to ensure the safety and stabilization of the medical and psychological conditions of the elderly.
• Dementia. Elderly with dementia needs to get comprehensive treatment. This condition can be treated with several types of drugs according to doctor's prescription such as acetylcholinesterase inhibitors, memantine, antipsychotics, and antidepressants. Vitamin E supplements, folic acid and omega 3 are believed to help reduce a person's risk of developing dementia, but there is no strong evidence to support its effectiveness. Treatment of dementia can also be done with psychological therapy, behavioral therapy, occupational therapy, and stimulation therapy and cognitive rehabilitation.
• Fell down. Serious injuries to the elderly are often caused by falls. Elderly with geriatric syndrome who often falls, the best treatment is to consult with a doctor about the causes and appropriate treatment steps. There are many treatments, such as exercise and physiotherapy, which can help improve a patient's walking ability and prevent falls. Taking vitamin D and calcium to maintain bone strength is also important in the elderly who are at high risk of falling.
• Osteoporosis. The elderly need to undergo routine health checks, including bone examinations. Osteoporosis in the elderly can be overcome by increasing calcium and vitamin D intake, as well as treatment from a doctor. Physical activities such as strength training and weight training are important for maintaining bone health. Families or people caring for the elderly need to pay attention to the safety and activities of the elderly to minimize the risk of falls or injury.

In addition to genetic factors, environmental factors to socioeconomic status also affect health problems in the elderly. Environmental factors have an important influence on the adoption of a healthy lifestyle. Applying a healthy lifestyle with balanced nutrition, regular exercise, and not smoking can reduce the risk of disease and improve physical and mental abilities. If you or your relatives experience symptoms that refer to geriatric syndrome, immediately see a doctor of the disease in a geriatric consultant or the nearest integrated geriatric clinic to get further treatment.