Understanding geriatric syndromes in older adults

As people age, certain problems begin to appear more often. These problems may not fit neatly under a single disease name like diabetes or heart disease. Instead, they involve many parts of the body at once and affect daily function. Doctors call these problems geriatric syndromes.

Common examples include frequent falls, frailty, urinary incontinence, confusion, and mobility problems related to conditions such as Parkinson disease. For seniors in Joliet, New Lenox, and the greater Chicago area, these issues can change how safe and independent life feels at home.

Geriatric syndromes can be challenging for families. They may appear slowly, they may be embarrassing to talk about, and they often involve both medical and social factors. A geriatrician like Dr. Mouhannad Kantar is trained to look at the whole picture and create a practical plan.

What are geriatric syndromes

Geriatric syndromes are health conditions that:

• Are common in older adults

• Usually have more than one cause

• Often involve multiple systems in the body

• Can strongly affect daily function and independence

Instead of one single cause, there may be a mix of age related changes, chronic illnesses, medications, and environmental factors like home layout or lighting.

Why they matter for seniors and families

Geriatric syndromes matter because they can:

• Increase the risk of hospitalization

• Lead to loss of independence

• Cause stress and burnout for caregivers

• Affect quality of life more than lab numbers or test results

For example, a small fall that might have been minor at age 40 can lead to a hip fracture at age 80. Leaking urine may cause embarrassment and social withdrawal. Slow walking and frailty can make it hard to get to appointments or enjoy time with grandchildren.

Recognizing these syndromes early gives seniors and families more options to manage them.

Common geriatric syndromes Dr. Kantar sees in practice

In his geriatric and family medicine practice, Dr. Kantar often sees several key syndromes that affect older adults in Joliet and New Lenox.

Falls and balance problems

Falls are one of the most serious geriatric syndromes. They may cause fractures, head injuries, fear of walking, and a loss of independence. Even a fall that does not cause serious injury can make a senior afraid to move, which can then lead to more weakness and more falls.

Frailty and weakness

Frailty is a condition where the body becomes more vulnerable to stress. Frail seniors may feel:

• Easily tired

• Slower than before

• Weaker in their legs and arms

• Less steady when walking

They often have less reserve to bounce back after an illness or surgery.

Urinary incontinence

Urinary incontinence means involuntary leakage of urine. It can range from small leaks when coughing or laughing to larger accidents that require pads or changes of clothes.

Many older adults do not mention this to their doctor because they feel embarrassed or think it is just part of aging. In many cases, there are ways to improve the situation.

Parkinson related issues and movement symptoms

Some seniors have movement problems related to Parkinson disease or similar conditions. These may include tremor, stiffness, slow movement, and balance problems. Walking can become shuffling or unsteady. These changes increase fall risk and can make daily tasks harder.

How a geriatrician evaluates geriatric syndromes

Geriatric syndromes benefit from a thorough, patient centered evaluation.

Taking a detailed history

Dr. Kantar begins by listening carefully. He may ask:

• When did the problem start

• How often it happens

• What makes it better or worse

• How it affects daily life

For falls, he will ask about where and how the fall occurred. For incontinence, he may ask about fluid intake, timing of leakage, and any associated urgency or pain.

Physical and functional assessments

Beyond listening, a geriatric evaluation often includes:

• Checking blood pressure, pulse, and basic physical exam

• Watching how the patient stands up from a chair

• Observing walking speed and balance

• Assessing strength in the legs and arms

These simple tests can reveal important information about fall risk, frailty, and mobility.

Reviewing medications and safety risks

Many geriatric syndromes are made worse by medications that cause sleepiness, dizziness, or drops in blood pressure. During the visit, Dr. Kantar reviews all prescription medicines, over the counter drugs, and supplements to look for:

• Duplications

• High risk medications for older adults

• Combinations that may increase falls or confusion

He also asks about home safety, such as loose rugs, poor lighting, and lack of grab bars in the bathroom.

Falls and balance problems in seniors

Falls are not an inevitable part of aging. They often have specific causes that can be addressed.

Why older adults are at higher risk of falling

Seniors have a higher risk of falls for several reasons, including:

• Weaker muscles and slower reflexes

• Changes in vision and hearing

• Joint pain or arthritis

• Balance problems related to inner ear or neurologic issues

• Side effects from medications

Chronic conditions such as diabetes, heart disease, and Parkinson disease can further raise the risk.

Practical steps that may lower fall risk

Although every person is different, some steps that may help reduce fall risk include:

• Strength and balance exercises recommended by a healthcare professional

• Removing loose rugs and clutter from walking paths at home

• Using night lights to brighten hallways and bathrooms

• Wearing supportive shoes instead of loose slippers

• Reviewing medications with a geriatrician to remove or adjust risky drugs

When needed, physical therapy, walking aids, or home health evaluations may also be helpful.

Frailty, weakness, and loss of independence

Frailty often develops gradually. It can be easy to miss until a crisis occurs.

Early signs of frailty to watch for

Families in Joliet and New Lenox may notice that an older relative:

• Walks more slowly than before

• Has trouble getting out of chairs or climbing stairs

• Loses weight without trying

• Has less appetite or interest in usual activities

• Feels exhausted after small tasks

These changes may be signs that the body has less reserve.

How targeted support can help

While frailty is not always fully reversible, thoughtful care can sometimes slow progression and improve daily function. This may include:

• Nutritional support and help with meal planning

• Gentle strength training or physical therapy

• Treating depression, pain, or other conditions that reduce activity

• Adjusting medications that cause low blood pressure or dizziness

A geriatrician can help set realistic goals that focus on what matters most to the patient.

Urinary incontinence in older adults

Urinary incontinence is very common. It is not a personal failing, and it is not just a normal part of aging that must be ignored.

Types of incontinence

There are different types of urinary incontinence, including:

• Stress incontinence – leakage with coughing, sneezing, or lifting

• Urge incontinence – strong, sudden urges to urinate with little warning

• Mixed incontinence – a combination of stress and urge symptoms

• Overflow or functional incontinence – leakage because the bladder does not empty well or because getting to the toilet in time is difficult

Understanding the type of incontinence helps guide the most helpful treatment options.

Why it is important to talk about leakage

Left unaddressed, urinary incontinence can lead to:

• Skin irritation or infections

• Disrupted sleep

• Social withdrawal and embarrassment

• Greater risk of falls when rushing to the bathroom

Talking openly with Dr. Kantar allows him to look for causes that may be treatable, such as urinary tract infections, medication side effects, or poorly controlled chronic conditions.

Parkinson related symptoms and mobility issues

Movement problems related to Parkinson disease or similar conditions can significantly affect quality of life.

Tremor, stiffness, and slow movement

Patients may have:

• Shaking in the hands at rest

• Stiff muscles that make movement harder

• Slow walking with small steps

• Reduced arm swing when walking

• Difficulty turning or getting started

These changes can make daily tasks more tiring and complex.

Everyday challenges for patients and caregivers

Parkinson related issues often affect:

• Dressing, bathing, and grooming

• Eating and drinking

• Moving around the home

• Getting in and out of cars

Caregivers may feel unsure how to help safely. A geriatrician can coordinate with neurology, physical therapy, and occupational therapy to support both patient and family.

Working with Dr. Kantar on a personal care plan

Geriatric syndromes are rarely solved with a single test or pill. They require a plan that fits the person and their living situation.

Setting realistic goals

With each patient, Dr. Kantar focuses on what matters most. Goals may include:

• Reducing falls

• Improving confidence with walking

• Reducing leakage episodes

• Helping a senior stay at home safely for as long as possible

The plan may involve changes in medications, referrals to therapy, home safety modifications, and follow up visits to see what is working.

Involving family and caregivers

Because geriatric syndromes affect daily life, caregivers play a key role. With the patient’s permission, Dr. Kantar invites family members into the conversation to:

• Explain the condition in clear, simple terms

• Review safety strategies and warning signs

• Discuss available support and community resources

This shared understanding helps reduce stress and improves follow through at home.

Related services and internal link suggestions

On your website, this article can connect naturally to other key service pages:

• Link falls, frailty, and geriatric syndromes to the Geriatric Syndromes service page.

• Link comprehensive geriatric care and primary care for seniors to the Comprehensive Geriatric Medicinepage.

• Link urinary incontinence, confusion, and memory changes to the Dementia and Memory Care page where appropriate.

• Link chronic disease management when discussing diabetes, heart disease, or Parkinson related issues to the Chronic Disease Management page.

• Link telehealth or virtual visits for follow up and caregiver check ins to the Telehealth and Virtual Visits page.

These internal links make navigation easier for patients and also help search engines understand how your services fit together.

Get help for geriatric syndromes with Dr. Kantar in Joliet and New Lenox

Geriatric syndromes like falls, frailty, urinary incontinence, and Parkinson related issues can feel overwhelming. They affect more than medical charts. They touch independence, dignity, and daily life.

If you or a loved one is an older adult in Joliet, New Lenox, or the greater Chicago area, you do not have to face these challenges alone. Dr. Mouhannad Kantar, a board certified geriatrician and family physician, works with seniors and families to understand these complex problems and create practical, compassionate plans.

This article is for general education only and does not replace medical advice. For diagnosis and treatment, you should always consult your own physician.

To learn more about care for geriatric syndromes or to schedule an appointment, contact Dr. Kantar’s offices in Joliet and New Lenox, Illinois and request a visit today.