[Primary and secondary pharmacologic prevention in geriatrics]

A review is given on general aspects and specific indications of preventive drug treatment. Particularly in the elderly, drug prescription for preventive reasons has to be considered according to risk/benefit aspects. Quality of life is a major concern for patients on long-term treatment. However, relevant investigations have been few, and clear therapeutic guidelines are still lacking, especially for the old-old. Most important areas of preventive medication are cardio- and cerebrovascular diseases. Further topics of prevention include the prophylaxis of thromboembolic complications, osteoporosis, postmenopause, and vaccinations.