Geriatrics: Year in review

The purpose of this review is to provide an update on topics in general geriatrics that are of interest to the field of geriatric oncology. Based on a review of high-impact journals in geriatrics for the prior two years and reviews of journals in which geriatrics updates are published, updates for hypertension, dementia, vaccination, and frailty are presented here. Recent studies have supported lower, more aggressive blood pressure targets in the management of hypertension, even in older patients. However, controversy remains as to the cognitive and functional effects of aggressive blood pressure targets. Advances in dementia management have been slow, but recent reviews have supported the use of specific screening tools and advocated more widespread screening for mild cognitive impairment and dementia by primary care practitioners. Pharmacologic trials have largely been negative, but a recent multi-component lifestyle intervention showed promise. Significant changes in immunization recommendations have occurred due to two recent large randomized studies of pneumococcal vaccine and a new subunit zoster vaccine. Finally, interventions for frailty syndrome in the geriatric population have been somewhat variable, with some promise in addressing exercise, nutrition, as well as pharmacologic treatment of frailty.