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Update in Geriatrics
- William J. Hall, MD
- From the University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry, Rochester, New York. Requests for Reprints: William J. Hall, MD, Department of Medicine, University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry, 601 Elmwood Avenue, Box MED, Rochester, NY 14642. Current Author Addresses: Dr. Hall: Department of Medicine, University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry, 601 Elmwood Avenue, Box MED, Rochester, NY 14642.
1997-98 Series
John Roberts, MD, Editor
In 1900, only about 1 million Americans (4% of the population) were older than 65 years of age. Currently, about 14% of Americans are older than 65 years of age; by 2050, that Figure will have increased to more than 20%. This demographic shift has no parallel in history. We have already seen the impact of the increased numbers of older persons on the practice of medicine, and the future of internal medicine will be inextricably linked to this demographic change.
Life expectancy after age 65 years continues to improve. Although the explanation for this finding is unclear, it is probably partly due to the improvement in the management of chronic illness. The improvements continue, as shown by the advances reported in 1996. In reviewing the major clinical advances in geriatrics, I turned mostly to clinical journals that are generally available to practicing internists. Included studies must have reported information that is clinically important to a general internist's practice, and the findings, for the most part, had to be evidence based. In general, every study described in this Update offers observations or strategies that can be put into practice immediately.
Ambulatory Medicine
The past year provided insights into the unique presentation of thyroid disease in the elderly, advances in relieving the pain associated with herpes zoster, a more rational choice in the medical treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia, and new information on the potential risks of oral hypoglycemic agents.
Hyperthyroidism Presented Like Hypothyroidism
Trivalle C, Doucet J, Chassagne P, Landrin I, Kadri N, Menard JF, et al. Differences in the signs and symptoms of hyperthyroidism in older and younger patients. J Am Geriatr Soc. 1996; 44:50-3.
The elderly person who reports apathy and mild weakness is familiar to most internists. A major additional consideration in this population is hypothyroidism. Does …
This 100-word excerpt has been provided in the absence of an abstract.
