title: Loss of function in the frail elderly. A method for determining the underlying causes.
abstract: Five major functional problems that threaten independent living in the elderly are failure to ambulate or transfer, falling, failure to eat or drink adequately, incontinence, and intellectual impairment. The outline at the end of this article list possible underlying diseases or conditions that may lead to each of these dysfunctions. By asking about details of the functional deficits and seeking clinical clues, the physician can save time in determining underlying causes and constructing a treatment plan.
mesh_terms: D000058:Accidental Falls; D000203:Activities of Daily Living; D000368:Aged; D003680:Deglutition Disorders / Q000209:etiology; D004326:Drinking; D005242:Fecal Incontinence / Q000209:etiology; D006801:Humans; D014549:Urinary Incontinence / Q000209:etiology