We are now entering the third decade of the 21st Century, and, especially in recent years, the achievements made by scientists have been exceptional, leading to major advancements in the fast-growing field of Geriatric Medicine. Frontiers has organized a series of Research Topics to highlight the latest advancements in science in order to be at the forefront of science in different fields of research. This editorial initiative of particular relevance, led by Dr Tzvi Dwolatzky, Specialty Chief Editor of the Geriatric Medicine section, is focused on new insights, novel developments, current challenges, latest discoveries, recent advances, and future perspectives in the field of Geriatric Medicine.

With the appearance of a textbook as comprehensive as this one, it is clear that the field of geriatrics is coming of age. The broad scope of these volumes shapes a substantial answer to the question, "What is geriatrics and why should we be interested in it?" As I see it, there are at least five reasons. First, the scientific or intellectual reason: gerontology is the study of aging from the biologic, psychological, and social perspectives. There is increasing interest in the fascinating insights into the biologic mechanisms of aging, errors in protein synthesis, DNA repair mechanisms, alterations of the neuroendocrine system, changes in the immune system, genetic controls, and somatic mutations. Second, the demographic reason: this is the century of old age. There has been a 26-year gain in the average life expectancy. This gain compares with that acquired from 3,000 years B.C. (the Bronze Age) to the year 1900, which was about 29 years. Therefore, in one century, there has been a gain in the average life expectancy almost equal to 5,000 previous years of human history. In 1830, one of three newborn infants survived beyond 60 years of age.

This best-seller in geriatrics is even better in an updated and completely revised new edition. Geriatric Secrets provides a substantial knowledge base in geriatric medicine and provides a wealth of insights into the art and practice of geriatrics, featuring all the most important "need to know” questions and answers in the proven format of the Secrets Series®. Thought-provoking questions that provide succinct answers Presentation of a vast amount of information, but not overly simplistic The most important "need-to-know" questions-and-answers in the proven format of the highly acclaimed Secrets Series® Concise answers that include the author's pearls, tips, memory aids, and "secrets" Bulleted lists, algorithms, and illustrations for quick review Thorough, highly detailed index

Since the publication of the third edition of Geriatric Medicine,extraordinary advances have occurred in the science of aging and the potential for biomedical research to give us answers to many, if not most, of the age-related disorders that threaten the quality of life in older years. At the most basic level, the successful mapping of the human genome was declared complete in the fall of 2000. Understanding the map of the human genome is as important as understanding the map of genomes of important laboratory species, ranging from the microscopic worms and fruit?ies used in most classic genetic studies to rodents such as laboratory mice, and eventually to primates, on which much of the research on the aging human brain is done. The genetic maps of all of these species,including our own,does not answer clinical questions,but it does open the door to dramatic, rapid, and ef?cient answers to questions about the genetic polymorphisms related to diseases in humans. The telomerase story also unfolded since the third edition. Telomerase is an enzyme responsible for maintaining the telomeres—the redundant DNA portions at the end of chromosomes—whose shortening seems to be linked directly to cell senescence,ap- tosis,and the control over cell death,which,at the level of the individual cell,seems to be linked to the decline of organ function and eventually aging and death within the org- ism.

The most RENOWNED AND TRUSTED INTRODUCTORY GUIDE to core topics in geriatric medicine and health care A doody's Core Title ESSENTIAL PURCHASE! 4 STAR DOODY'S REVIEW! "This continues to be the leading U.S. introductory textbook in geriatric medicine. It is user friendly, well written and edited, and easy on the eyes. Not a single major concept is omitted. With some 400-plus pleasant pages, this can easily be read on a rotation in geriatric medicine. If I had a magic wand, I would wave it, and copies of this brilliant book would appear under the pillow of every hospitalist in the land. See if it doesn't resonate with you as well."--Doody's Essentials of Clinical Geriatrics delivers a broad, well-written overview of all the important issues in geriatrics along with concise, practical guidance on the diagnosis and treatment of the diseases and disorders most commonly encountered in older patients. Features: A strong focus on the field's must-know concepts, from the nature of clinical aging to differential diagnosis of important geriatric syndromes to drug therapy and health services Time-saving tables that summarize conditions, values, mechanisms, therapeutics, and more Thorough coverage of preventive services and disease screening An appendix of internet resources on geriatrics NEW! Evidence-Based Summary section added to selected chapters NEW! The addition of a Nurse Practitioner to the author team for the widest perspective possible