Geriatrics
Geriatrics (the medical care of the elderly) is a medical specialism that focuses on the care and treatment of older patients. Geriatric medicine focuses not only on the age of patients, but also on their frailty and the co-occurrence of multiple conditions that limit their ability to carry out everyday tasks. The aim of geriatric medicine is to restore older people’s independence following acute illnesses and to prevent the need for long-term care.
People living alone are at increased risk of dementia
For people aged 55 and over who live alone, the risk of dementia is around 30 per cent higher than for those who share their household with at least one other person. Social isolation is therefore an even greater risk factor than previously thought.
Strong muscles, even in old age
As life expectancy rises, so too do typical age-related conditions such as sarcopenia, or excessive muscle loss. Researchers at the University of Basel have now described how this age-related condition can be halted with medication.
Heart attacks in women
The symptoms of a heart attack manifest themselves differently in women than in men. As a result, the danger is often not recognised in time.