The ICU

Abstract

Elderly population is defined as people aged 65 and over in contrast to working age (15-64 age). The definition for elderly patients is not necessarily consistent with the definition for geriatric patients since aging is an individual process [1]. Therefore, the typical trials of frailty, comorbidities, and disability are better characterizing geriatric patients [2]. Another important characteristic of geriatric patients is the development of dementia. Almost 15% of individuals older than 70 years have dementia [3]. Polymorbidity leads to polypharmacy which may cause problems as an increasing number of drug prescriptions is increasing the risk of adverse drug events which is clearly correlated to old age [4].