Geriatric Syndromes/ Giants 노인 증후군

 

 

Geriatric Giants Overview | 노인 증후군 요약

Syndrome	English Description	Korean Description
Immobility	Reduced ability to move, often due to weakness, pain, or neurological issues. Leads to pressure ulcers, blood clots, and loss of independence.	근력 저하, 통증, 신경계 문제로 인해 움직임이 제한됨. 욕창, 혈전, 독립성 상실 초래
Instability	Poor balance and increased fall risk. Often caused by vision problems, medications, or muscle weakness.	균형 저하와 낙상 위험 증가. 시력 문제, 약물, 근력 저하 등이 원인
Incontinence	Loss of bladder or bowel control. Can lead to skin issues, infections, and social withdrawal.	요실금 또는 대변 실금. 피부 문제, 감염, 사회적 고립 유발 가능
Impaired Cognition	Memory loss, confusion, or dementia. Affects decision-making and daily functioning.	기억력 저하, 혼란, 치매. 판단력과 일상 기능에 영향
Iatrogenesis	Harm caused by medical treatment, such as drug side effects or hospital complications.	치료 과정에서 발생하는 부작용이나 합병증
Infection	Older adults are more vulnerable to infections due to weaker immune systems.	면역력 저하로 감염에 취약함
Malnutrition (Inanition)	Poor nutrition due to appetite loss, dental issues, or difficulty preparing food.	식욕 저하, 치아 문제, 식사 준비 어려움으로 인한 영양 부족
Depression & Delirium	Often underdiagnosed; can mimic dementia or worsen other conditions.	종종 진단되지 않으며 치매처럼 보이거나 다른 질환을 악화시킬 수 있음

 

 

 

What You Need to Know to Stay Safe

• Early Detection: Regular screenings for falls, cognition, and nutrition are key.
• Multidisciplinary Care: Collaboration among doctors, nurses, therapists, and caregivers improves outcomes.
• Environment Matters: Safe home setups (grab bars, good lighting) reduce risks.
• Medication Review: Older adults are more sensitive to drug side effects — regular reviews are essential.
• Social Support: Isolation worsens many of these syndromes. Community and family involvement help.

 

 

 

 

Common Tests &  Treatments

Area	Tests	Treatments
Mobility	Gait assessment, strength tests	Physical therapy, mobility aids
Cognition	MMSE, MoCA, neuroimaging	Cognitive therapy, medications (e.g. donepezil)
Incontinence	Urinalysis, bladder scan	Pelvic floor exercises, medications
Nutrition	Weight tracking, lab tests	Dietitian support, supplements
Depression/Delirium	Mood scales, mental status exams	Antidepressants, reorientation strategies

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Geriatric Giants / Syndromes

1. Immobility

• What it is: Difficulty moving or reduced mobility.
  
  
• Causes: Arthritis, stroke, Parkinson’s, frailty, deconditioning, pain.
  
  
• Risks: Pressure ulcers, pneumonia, blood clots, loss of independence.
  
  
• Care: Encourage safe activity, physical therapy, mobility aids, fall prevention.
  
  

2. Instability (Falls)

• What it is: Loss of balance → falls.
  
  
• Causes: Weak muscles, poor vision, medications (sedatives, BP meds), neuropathy.
  
  
• Risks: Fractures, head injuries, fear of falling → reduced mobility.
  
  
• Care: Fall risk assessment, home safety, strength/balance exercises, review meds, vision/hearing checks.
  
  

3. Incontinence

• What it is: Loss of bladder or bowel control.
  
  
• Causes: Overactive bladder, prostate issues, pelvic floor weakness, meds, dementia.
  
  
• Risks: Skin breakdown, infections, embarrassment, social isolation.
  
  
• Care: Bladder training, pelvic floor exercises, scheduled toileting, continence pads, meds, treat cause.
  
  

4. Intellectual Impairment (Cognitive Decline/Delirium/Dementia/Depression)

• What it is: Problems with memory, thinking, or mood.
  
  
• Causes: Dementia (Alzheimer’s, vascular), delirium (acute illness/meds), depression.
  
  
• Risks: Poor self-care, medication errors, increased caregiver burden.
  
  
• Care: Cognitive screening, manage underlying causes, simplify routines, involve family/caregivers.
  
  

 

 

 

 

Expanded List of Geriatric Syndromes

(Some sources add more “giants”):

• Frailty → overall weakness, weight loss, low energy.
  
  
• Polypharmacy → multiple meds → side effects, interactions.
  
  
• Sensory impairment → hearing & vision loss → isolation, falls.
  
  
• Malnutrition → weight loss, muscle wasting.
  
  
• Sleep problems → insomnia, sleep apnea.
  
  

 Quick Summary:
The classic 4 Geriatric Giants =

1. Immobility
   
   
2. Instability (falls)
   
   
3. Incontinence
   
   

Intellectual impairment (cognitive decline, delirium, depression, dementia)