Screening and Prevention in Geriatric Medicine: A Comprehensive Guide

This issue of Clinics in Geriatric Medicine, expertly curated by Drs. Danelle Cayea and Samuel C. Durso, delves into the crucial aspects of screening and prevention in geriatric care. The collection of articles aims to provide healthcare professionals with a comprehensive understanding of various preventive measures and screening techniques tailored for the elderly population.

Featured Articles

The issue includes insightful articles on:

• The Medicare Annual Wellness Visit: An in-depth look at the importance of annual wellness visits for Medicare beneficiaries and how healthcare providers can effectively conduct these assessments.
• Individualized Cancer Screening: A discussion on the need for personalized cancer screening strategies, taking into account the unique risk factors and health profiles of individual patients.
• Frailty: An exploration of the concept of frailty in older adults, its implications for healthcare, and potential interventions to address frailty.
• Medication Appropriateness: Guidance on ensuring that medications prescribed to older adults are appropriate, safe, and effective, considering their unique health needs and potential drug interactions.
• Geriatric Syndromes: An examination of common geriatric syndromes, such as falls, incontinence, and cognitive impairment, and strategies for prevention and management.
• Mental Health: Insights into the mental health needs of older adults, including the importance of screening for depression, anxiety, and other mental health conditions.
• Cardiovascular Screening: A review of cardiovascular health in older adults, highlighting the importance of regular screening for cardiovascular disease risk factors and conditions.
• Preoperative Screening: Preoperative evaluation and optimization strategies for older adults undergoing surgery, focusing on minimizing risks and improving outcomes.
• Safety: Tips and strategies for creating a safe environment for older adults, both in the home and in healthcare settings, to prevent injuries and promote well-being.
• Substance Use Disorders: A discussion on the often-overlooked issue of substance use disorders in older adults, including screening, diagnosis, and treatment options.
• Sexuality: An exploration of the sexual health needs of older adults, emphasizing the importance of addressing sexuality as part of comprehensive geriatric care.
• Vaccines: An overview of recommended vaccines for older adults, including influenza, pneumococcal, and shingles vaccines, and the importance of staying up-to-date on immunizations.
• Exercise: The benefits of regular exercise for older adults, including improved physical function, reduced risk of chronic diseases, and enhanced mental health.

This comprehensive guide is an invaluable resource for healthcare providers seeking to enhance their knowledge and skills in preventive geriatric care. By addressing the unique health needs and challenges faced by older adults, healthcare professionals can better support their patients in maintaining optimal health and well-being.