The accurate diagnosis of endocrine dysfunction in the elderly requires a high index of suspicion. Signs and symptoms of hormone deficiency or excess may be absent. When such signs and symptoms are present, coexisting malnutrition or chronic disease may often make their interpretation difficult. (more…)

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There are several important changes in pharmacokinetics metabolism associated with aging that predispose the elderly to increased risk of druginduced side effects including cardiac arrhythmia.

First, advanced age is accompanied by a decrease in overall body weight, total body water, lean body mass, and intravascular volume, resulting in a greater volume of distribution (V d ), which is defined by the drug dose divided by drug plasma concentration (V d = dose/concentration). The reduced distribution volume will, therefore, lead to a higher drug concentration after a given dose in the elderly compared to the younger population. (more…)