Explore every episode of the podcast Geriatric Fast Casts

Falls in older adults are rarely caused by just one thing, and recognizing the many contributing factors is key to preventing them. This Geriatric Fast Cast reviews a simple tool for screening older adults for fall risk, discusses the intrinsic and extrinsic factors that contribute to falls, and highlights evidence-based strategies that can help prevent them. Geriatric Fast Fact #81.

Post-traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and dementia can co-exist in older adults, and this requires thoughtful, individualized consideration of a patient's symptoms and care. This Geriatric Fast Cast discusses the association between PTSD and dementia, reviews possible mechanisms linking the two conditions, and outlines an approach to assessing and managing patients with both diagnoses. Geriatric Fast Fact #116.

Older adults are often underrepresented in clinical trials despite being the patients most likely to receive many of the treatments being studied. This Geriatric Fast Cast discusses why older adult representation in clinical research matters, explores barriers to enrollment, and reviews how to apply evidence from clinical trials to older adults. GFF #126

Influenza can cause serious illness in older adults, and vaccination is the best way to protect against severe disease and hospitalization. This Geriatric Fast Cast reviews current influenza vaccine recommendations for older adults, discusses common reasons for vaccine hesitancy, and provides practical strategies for addressing concerns about influenza vaccination. Geriatric Fast Facts #124 and #125.

Neuropsychiatric symptoms such as agitation, hallucinations, sleep disturbance, and aggression are common in dementia and are often a form of communication about an unmet need. This Geriatric Fast Cast discusses common triggers for these symptoms of dementia and reviews the DICE approach (Describe, Investigate, Create, Evaluate) to help caregivers and healthcare teams respond in a structured, individualized way. GFF #123

Older adults in the emergency department often present with non-specific symptoms and atypical findings, making assessment more challenging. This Geriatric Fast Cast reviews key strategies including obtaining baseline cognition and function, reviewing medications, broadening the differential, assessing social support, and considering goals of care. GFF #58

Hospice is a philosophy of care and a defined insurance benefit for patients at the end of life. This Geriatric Fast Cast reviews hospice elligibility, how hospice differs from palliative care, outlines the four levels of hospice care, explains what hospice does and does not cover, and addresses common misconceptions. GFF #113.

Telemedicine has become a lasting part of healthcare for older adults. This Geriatric Fast Cast reviews the benefits of telemedicine, common challenges, practical approaches to virtual visits, and how to choose the right visit for the right patient. GFF #99

Older adults may face barriers to accessing healthcare. This Geriatric Fast Cast explores what healthcare access really means, why it impacts outcomes, specific considerations for older adults, and practical ways clinicians can identify and reduce access barriers through team-based care. GFF #114

Anti-amyloid therapy is the first disease modifying treatment for Alzheimer's disease. This Geriatric Fast Cast reviews who qualifies, the modest benefits, key risks such as ARIA, and the importance of shared decision-making in treatment decisions. GFF #115

Early detection of cognitive decline can lead to earlier identification, planning, and treatment for dementia. This Geriatric Fast Cast discusses key red flags and how families, care partners, patients, and clinicians can work together to recognize and address cognitive changes. Geriatric Fast Fact #95

Inappropriate sexual behaviors (ISB) can be a challenging behavioral symptom in people living with dementia. This Geriatric Fast Cast explains what causes ISB and offers practical approaches to managing it while supporting caregivers and families. Geriatric Fast Fact #53

Assessing medical decision-making capacity can be complex. This Geriatric Fast Cast reviews the four key elements of capacity, common factors that complicate assessment, and how to identify a surrogate decision maker when a patient lacks capacity. Geriatric Fast Fact #60

Climate change and extreme weather events can have signficant impacts on health, especially for older adults. This Geriatric Fast Cast explores why climate change disproportionately affects older adults, how to consider the 4Ms of geriatrics (mentation, medications, mobility, and matters most), and steps we can take to mitigate these risks. Geriatric Fast Fact #109 and Geriatric Fast Fact #112

Long-term care services provide ongoing support for people with chronic conditions. This Geriatric Fast Cast reviews the types of long-term care, signs it may be needed, common payment challenges, and key resources for arranging care. Geriatric Fast Fact #41

Guardianship is a legal process that may be necessary to protect vulnerable older adults who lack decision making capacity. This Geriatric Fast Cast explains what guardianship is, how it differs from power of attorney, and when it may be needed. Geriatric Fast Fact #87 Geriatric Fast Fact #88

Older adults are at increased risk of injury. Prevention is important for decreasing this risk and protecting older adults from unnecessary injury. Geriatric Fast Fact #106

Age-friendly health systems use a framework called the 4Ms to improve the complex care of older adults. This Geriatric Fast Cast describes the 4Ms and applies them to a patient example.  Geriatric Fast Fact #93.