There are certain problems, particularly over age 80, that should be of concern. They include dementia, depression, immobility, falls and gait disorder, and weight loss and malnutrition. Each condition in itself poses a markedly increased risk of accident and early death.

Dementia is the fourth leading cause of death in the United States and has a prevalence which doubles every five years, reaching a peak of over 30% at age 80-85. Alzheimer's and Alzheimer's like syndrome account for about two thirds of these. Problems in dementia come from poor abstraction, and altered mental flexibility, planning and judgment. The risk of accident is significant, and other problems include getting adequate care in institutions, as well as seeking timely medical care when mental facilities are impaired.

Depression is quite serious in the elderly. Recognizing and successfully treating depression in the elderly is vital, as the syndrome is associated with disability, increased rates of hospitalization and nursing home admission, and higher mortality. Suicide, the most dreaded complication of depression, has its highest risk in the geriatric age group.

Although immobility is common in older people, reduced motility is never "normal" and is an important cause of hospital induced functional decline. The hazards of bed rest in the elderly are multiple, serious, quick to develop and slow to reverse. The risk of blood pressure abnormalities, blood clots, pulmonary emboli and pressure sores with resulting infection are all quite high in immobile patients. Falls of course are their own risk factor. Besides the injury that occurs in a fall, falls result in increased fractures and eventual surgery. Hip fractures are a major cause of death in the elderly.

The information contained on this page is not intended to provide medical advice, which should be obtained directly from your physician.