Update in geriatric medicine.
BACKGROUND
With an aging population, internists will provide care to a growing number of older adults, a population at risk of developing multiple chronic medical conditions and geriatric syndromes. For this update in geriatric medicine, we highlight recent key articles focused on preventive strategies and lifestyle changes that reduce the burden of disease and functional decline in older adults.


METHODS
We identified English-language articles published between March 1, 2010 and March 31, 2011 by review of the contents of major geriatrics/general medicine journals and journal watch services including: New England Journal of Medicine, Annals of Internal Medicine, Journal of the American Medical Association, Lancet, Archives of Internal Medicine, British Medical Journal, Journal of the American Geriatrics Society, and the Journals of Gerontology. We also reviewed updates to the Cochrane database of systematic reviews and articles highlighted by the ACP Journal Club and Journal Watch. Inclusion criteria included (1) randomized controlled trials, (2) conditions exclusive or common to older adults, and (3) commonly seen in generalist practices. After abstract review, each author selected five articles, and these were reviewed again by all authors. Through multiple discussions, consensus was reached on the final articles selected for inclusion based on their quality and potential to improve the health of older patients cared for by generalists.
Division of Geriatric Medicine and Gerontology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, 5505 Hopkins Bayview Circle, Baltimore, MD 21224, USA. dcayea1@jhmi.edu
Danelle
D
Cayea
Elizabeth
E
Eckstrom
Colleen
C
Christmas
D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D000375:Aging; D003704:Dementia / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000517:prevention & control*; D015577:Geriatric Assessment / Q000379:methods*; D005853:Geriatrics / Q000639:trends*; D014943:Global Health; D006801:Humans; D015995:Prevalence