What are geriatric syndromes characterized by?

Geriatric syndromes are characterized by common conditions that are multifactorial, meaning they arise from multiple interrelated factors rather than a single cause. This complexity is essential to understanding geriatric syndromes because they often encompass a variety of issues that affect older adults, including frailty, falls, incontinence, and cognitive impairment, among others. Each of these conditions can be influenced by a combination of physical, psychological, and social factors, which signifies their multifactorial nature.

In contrast, simple and isolated disease categories would suggest that these conditions can be easily defined and treated as distinct entities, which does not reflect the reality of geriatric syndromes. Furthermore, limiting the characteristic of geriatric syndromes to specific organ failures or diseases with clear diagnostic markers undermines their overall complexity and the need for comprehensive assessments in older adults. Geriatric syndromes require a holistic approach to treatment that considers all contributing factors rather than just addressing isolated problems.