Editing Geriatrics (section)

===Increased complexity===
The decline in physiological reserve in organs makes the elderly develop some kinds of diseases and have more complications from mild problems (such as [[dehydration]] from a mild [[gastroenteritis]]). Multiple problems may compound: A mild [[fever]] in elderly persons may cause [[confusion]], which can advance to a fall and to a fracture of the [[Femur neck|neck of the femur]] ("broken hip").The presentation of disease in elderly persons may be vague and non-specific, or it may include [[delirium]] or falls. ([[Pneumonia]], for example, may present with low-grade [[fever]] and [[confusion]], rather than the high fever and cough seen in younger people.) Some elderly people may find it hard to describe their [[symptoms]] in words, especially if the disease is causing confusion, or if they have [[cognitive impairment]]. [[Delirium]] in the elderly may be caused by a minor problem such as [[constipation]] or by something as serious and life-threatening as a [[myocardial infarction|heart attack]]. Many of these problems are treatable, if the root cause can be discovered.