ASPECTS OF DRUG-TREATMENT IN PRIMARY AND SECONDARY GERIATRIC PREVENTION

A review is given on general aspects and specific indications of preve ntive drug treatment. Particularly in the elderly, drug prescription f or preventive reasons has to be considered according to risk/benefit a spects. Quality of life is a major concern for patients on long-term t reatment. However, relevant investigations have been few and clear the rapeutic guidelines are still lacking, especially for the old-old. Mos t important areas of preventive medication are cardio-and cerebrovascu lar diseases. Further topics of prevention include the prophylaxis of thromboembolic complications, osteoporosis, postmenopause, and vaccina tions.