Geriatric Considerations: Medical Comorbidities and Principles of Medical Management

Aging results from accumulating various molecular and cellular damage over time, leading to a gradual decrease in physical and mental capacity and a growing risk of disease. There is a high rate of comorbid medical conditions among older adults that can impact outcomes. Older adults develop alterations in drug metabolism and may be more sensitive to medication side effects; therefore, prescription medications should be carefully reviewed. Also, those aging with premorbid disabilities develop chronic medical conditions earlier than non-disabled individuals. With the aging of the population, it is vital for treating clinicians to be aware of their unique challenges. This chapter focuses on common medical comorbidities and principles of medical management in the geriatric population with acquired neurologic injury requiring neurorehabilitation care in the acute care setting.