"Failure to thrive" in older adults
Article Abstract:
The concept of "failure to thrive" in the elderly should be discarded in favor of a multifaceted approach that attempts to distinguish between treatable pathology and the inevitable decline that precedes death. Failure to thrive is not a useful diagnosis. Failure to thrive may arise from decline in physical functioning, malnutrition, depression, or dementia or from some interplay of these factors. A more useful approach is to address each of these four areas diagnostically in order to determine the interplay of causal factors because unlike the case with younger people, doctors will rarely find a specific diagnosis. Causal factors may range from such problems as cancer, elder abuse, or bereavement to ill-fitting dentures, medications, pain, or vision impairment. The goal should then be to treat treatable conditions, solve solvable problems, and to spare the elderly patient inappropriately aggressive diagnostic procedures and therapies.
Publication Name: Annals of Internal Medicine
Subject: Health
ISSN: 0003-4819
Year: 1996
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A broader role for advance medical planning
Article Abstract:
It may be advisable for elderly persons to thoughtfully consider developing a realistic advance plan for their future overall medical care in addition to an advance plan for life-sustaining decisions. After discussing the reality of the patients' general health, primary physicians and their elderly patients could discuss and evaluate guidelines should certain future medical decisions arise. This may focus future medical intervention on the reality of the patients' health status and avoid emotional and hasty decisions in the face of medical emergencies. Elderly patients can become wiser medical care consumers by becoming familiar with their health status and the consequences of various medical interventions. Yearly updates of this plan may be advisable. Both physicians and patients may need instruction in the value of advance planning and in how to create a realistic advance medical plan.
Publication Name: Annals of Internal Medicine
Subject: Health
ISSN: 0003-4819
Year: 1995
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Cost-effective management of flu in adults older than 65 years of age
Article Abstract:
It may be cost-effective to treat influenza in elderly people with the drug oseltamivir, according to a study published in 2003. This drug is more expensive than older drugs for influenza, but it covers both influenza A and influenza B viruses. It may be especially effective in older people who have not been vaccinated against influenza.
Publication Name: Annals of Internal Medicine
Subject: Health
ISSN: 0003-4819
Year: 2003
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