Given the aging population in Western countries and the growing number of elderly people being cared for in healthcare systems (primary care, hospitals, and long-term care), it is necessary to prepare future doctors for the specific needs of elderly individuals, both healthy and sick, and for the specialized medical approach they deserve, whether healthcare is preventive, curative, maintenance/rehabilitation, or palliative.

In the Portuguese context, healthcare professionals are not sufficiently prepared to adequately address the needs of elderly individuals. The overall goal of the course "Introduction to Aging Diseases" is to teach basic knowledge and skills in Geriatrics.

The curriculum and objectives of the course "Introduction to Aging Diseases" follow the recommendations of the Geriatric Medicine Section of the European Union of Medical Specialists (UEMS), which are as follows:

Identify the physiological changes of aging, the clinical particularities of the elderly patient, and the myths and stereotypes about aging;
Understand the need for a Comprehensive Geriatric Assessment (CGA) and the role of an interdisciplinary team in the holistic assessment of elderly individuals, for the implementation of appropriate diagnostic and therapeutic interventions;
Identify the main geriatric syndromes and neuropsychiatric diseases in the elderly, including their epidemiology, pathophysiology, screening and diagnosis, prevention, and treatment, through both pharmacological and non-pharmacological measures;
Learn the basic principles of pharmacology as applied to elderly individuals;
Identify ethical and emotional issues, as well as the importance of palliative and end-of-life care in Geriatrics.

Other Information

The Geriatrics Autonomous Department is responsible for the "Introduction to Aging Diseases" course in the Integrated Master’s in Medicine at FMUL (Common Core IV.c, 3rd year, 1st semester).