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Updated: Jun 14, 2026
08:47
Oral Health Assessment by Lay Personnel for Older Adults
Published on: February 2, 2020
[Presentation of illness in the elderly: a simple explanation for a complex problem]
Jolanda H M van Steijn1, Elles J Huinink, Peter E Walderveen
1Medisch Centrum Leeuwarden, Centrum Geriatrie, Leeuwarden, The Netherlands. jolanda.vansteijn@mac.com
Nederlands Tijdschrift Voor Geneeskunde
|March 20, 2010
Summary
Illness in older adults is often complex and atypical, leading to poor health outcomes. New diagnostic models consider social and functional factors alongside clinical symptoms for better geriatric care.
Area of Science:
- Geriatric Medicine
- Internal Medicine
- Diagnostic Models
Background:
- Elderly illness presentation is frequently complex and atypical.
- Standard diagnostic models may not fully capture geriatric presentations.
- Growing elderly population necessitates adapted medical approaches.
Observation:
- The standard medical model assumes a direct link between symptoms and disease.
- This 1:1 correspondence is insufficient for many elderly patients.
- Linda Fried proposed four complementary diagnostic models for geriatrics.
Findings:
- Fried's models integrate social and functional aspects with clinical symptoms.
- These models offer a more holistic approach to elderly diagnosis.
- The models are applicable beyond geriatric specialists.
Implications:
- Broad adoption of these models can improve diagnostic accuracy in the elderly.
- Enhanced diagnostic strategies are crucial for managing the aging population.
- Physicians across disciplines can benefit from these geriatric-focused diagnostic tools.
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