Geriatric Medicine and Gerontology

Geriatrics, or geriatric medicine, is a specialized branch of medical science that focuses on serving the health care needs of the elderly. The objective of this speciality is to prevent and treat diseases and disabilities in older adults for promoting their overall well-being. Geriatrics deals with the prevention, cure, and rehabilitation of the elderly. The study of the social, cultural, psychological, cognitive and biological aspects of aging is called gerontology. Aging is a biological process that causes a steady physiologic deterioration accompanied with disability and disease. It is characterized by the development of wrinkles, decline in fertility, reduced body mass, decreased mobility and strength, and gray hair. Adult stem cell transplantation, cloning, tissue transplantation, and gene therapy are currently being investigated as potential treatments for aging related diseases. Common diseases caused due to aging include diabetes, cancer, stroke, Alzheimer's disease, and cardiovascular disease. This book presents the upcoming researches on geriatric medicine and gerontology. It is appropriate for students seeking detailed information in this area as well as for experts.