Disease Presentation
Conclusion
Atypical disease presentation in older adults is very common and in fact is the most common presentation of illness in the frail older adult. It is merely the body's way of indicating that it is unwell and that it requires attention and treatment. The underlying cause for these disease presentations is often a common medical problem such as infection, congestive heart failure, or medications (too much or too little). A comprehensive review of a person's medical history and functional history is required along with a detailed review of all medications. Targeted investigations will often reveal the underlying cause and treatment of this is often successful. However, older adults presenting with atypical disease presentations may have poorer health outcomes then those who present with typical disease symptoms. The understanding that disease presents differently in older adults is one of the main reasons why specialties such as geriatric medicine and geriatric psychiatry have evolved into the disciplines that they are today.
PAMELA G. JARRETT, M.D., F.R.C.P.C.
See also ASSESSMENT; BALANCE AND MOBILITY; DELIRIUM; EMERGENCY ROOM; FLUID BALANCE; FRAILTY; HEART DISEASE; PNEUMONIA; SWALLOWING; URINARY INCONTINENCE.
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Additional topics
Medicine EncyclopediaAging Healthy - Part 1Disease Presentation - Traditional Disease Presentation, Atypical Disease Presentation, Types Of Atypical Disease Presentation, Implications Of Atypical Disease Presentation