January 2025

GERIATRICS

KEY GUIDELINES FOR OLDER ADULTS: UTI, DIABETES SCREENING AND RISKY MEDICATIONS

In this three-part video series, Northwestern Medicine Geriatricians Lee A. Lindquist, MD, MPH, chief, and Jeanette Cheng, MD, current fellow, provide valuable insights for improving care for older adults.

UTI in Older Adults: Reducing Misdiagnosis and Antibiotic Misuse

Dr. Lindquist and Dr. Cheng discuss the complexities of diagnosing urinary tract infections (UTIs) in older adults. They highlight the importance of recognizing true UTI symptoms, the dangers of overdiagnosing asymptomatic bacteriuria, and the risks associated with unnecessary antibiotic use, including C. diff infections.

Polypharmacy in Older Adults: Identifying and Reducing Risky Medications

​​Dr. Lindquist and Dr. Cheng discuss the critical issue of polypharmacy in older adults. They highlight the dangers of commonly prescribed medications like benzodiazepines and over-the-counter sleep aids such as Benadryl, which can cause significant harm to older adults. They emphasize the importance of careful medication management and advocate for lifestyle changes over unnecessary drug use to improve the health and well-being of older patients.

Diabetes Screening in Older Adults: Adjusting A1C Targets for Better Outcomes

Dr. Lindquist and Dr. Cheng discuss the nuances of diabetes screening in older adults. They explain why the A1C goals for older adults are less stringent compared to younger adults, highlighting the importance of tailored diabetes management for older populations.

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