Book reviews

Article Outline

• Copyright

• 
  • View Large Image
  • Download to PowerPoint

• Marianne LaPorte Matzo, PhD, APRN, BC, GNP, FAAN, Book Review Editor

The 5th edition of Essentials of Clinical Geriatrics comprises an ongoing and up-to-date synopsis of enormous reference information for various primary care providers of the geriatric population—for example, gerontologists, family physicians, nurse practitioners (both adult and geriatric), geriatric clinical nurse specialists, long-term care registered nurses, and geriatric nurse faculty. The valuable information is compiled in 3 parts: Part I: The Aging Patient and Geriatric Assessment; Part II: Differential Diagnosis and Management; and Part III: General Management Strategies. In addition to the information outlined in each part, Appendix A provides “Suggested Geriatric Medical Forms” such as Scales, Assessments, and Tests specific to the Geriatric Patient Population. Appendix B identifies “Selected Internet Resources on Geriatrics.” Last is an index of numerous Tables and Figures that complement the authors' information.

The authors begin by citing previous studies of what scientists have postulated about the physiology of aging from the molecular level to the organic functioning and decline of the aged body. “Present 21st Century Research and Scientific Information” reviews the latest studies not only from the United States but from other countries as well.

In “Evaluation of the Geriatric Patient,” the reader is reminded of the impact of comorbid conditions in elderly patients, which makes evaluation more complex. The authors stress a multidisciplinary approach to gathering data. Strategies for making the evaluation process more efficient are cited to aid the practitioner in arriving at a diagnosis in a more timely manner. Later chapters are devoted to common geriatric patient conditions and events such as incontinence, falls, and immobility problems that the geriatric caregiver confronts on a regular basis. The information is up-to-date, and suggested readings offer the practitioner access to additional information.

In summary, this an excellent source of current information that is obviously an absolute requirement for all professionals involved with providing care and management of the geriatric population to maintain functional status and search for correctable causes for the patient's problems.

The 5th edition of Principles of Geriatric Medicine and Gerontology, as the title implies, serves as a major textbook for the complementary fields of geriatric medicine and gerontology. Because of the comprehensive nature of this text, the book is heavy and at times difficult to browse; the editors might consider dividing the book into 2 volumes in future editions. This is probably the only limitation that the reviewer found while perusing the information this book provides. The depth devoted to the subject covers what a student of geriatric medicine and gerontology would cover in a semester or 2 of postgraduate education.

As with similar textbooks, the reader must begin by grasping concepts, in this case those of the principles of gerontology including the biology of aging, genetics of age-dependent human diseases, immunology of aging, and demography and psychosocial aspects of aging, to name a few. These principles reflect the most recent research on aging that has been accomplished since the publication of the 4th edition in 1998. The reader who has a passion for or fascination with conducting such research will have be engrossed in the first 9 chapters, which take the longest to read and absorb.

In addition to covering all aspects of more common diseases found in geriatric patients, the book includes a chapter titled “Complementary and Alternative Medicine in Aging.” The information is current and provides knowledge for not only the medical practitioner but for geriatric nursing professionals as well. Another chapter addresses one of the most specific issues that nursing specialists must incorporate into our plans of care for patients: a focus on families, social supports, and caregiving. It is inspiring to see that future practitioners will have knowledge of these issues and have acquired a holistic approach to their patients' care, the sine qua non of geriatric medicine.

This book may be the most comprehensive, up-to-date textbook on gerontology and geriatric medicine; it is a must for all future practitioners in this rapidly growing and evolving medical specialty.