Databook on Geriatrics

The aim of these short notes is to provide the newcomer to the speciality of geriatrics with a wide though not exhaustive differential diagnosis of most of the commonly encountered symptoms in the elderly, and to draw particular attention tothe common and important disorders. The common causes of symptoms and the common dis- eases as well as certain features which have special importance to the medicine of the elderly are emphasized. A final section on investigations (with short notes) which one may employ in the practice of geriatric medicine is included along with an appendix of normal values for the elderly. In our view this book does not show how geriatric medicine is practised but it does provide an outline of clinical aspects of medicine (geriatrics), knowledge of which is essential to the practice of ger- iatrics. G.S.R. V.P. Foreword I take the view that if vitality is reduced to the extent that it interferes with life as the old person would wish to live it, then a proper medical assessment should be made as part of the overall appraisal of that person's problems. The provision of a home help or the meals on wheels service cannot be expected to revitalize the person suffering from hypothroidism or pernicious anaemia! In the event both medical treatment and social support may be needed and to provide one without the other would be half measures.