ABPS Geriatric Medicine study plan

ABPS Geriatric Medicine · Give each week a clear focus.

8 weeks · About 6 hours per week

Week 1

Geriatric Syndromes (falls, frailty, incontinence, delirium) & Cognitive Disorders and Dementia

Compare and contrast the risk factors, presentation, and management of falls, frailty, incontinence, and delirium
Differentiate delirium from dementia and depression using validated screening tools
Outline the diagnostic criteria for major neurocognitive disorders and their common subtypes
Identify reversible causes of cognitive impairment and appropriate workup
List behavioral and environmental interventions for dementia-related behaviors

Create a one-page comparison table of delirium, dementia, and depression with key features and screening tools

Week 2

Apply fall risk assessment tools and design multifactorial fall prevention plans
Evaluate urinary incontinence types and select appropriate behavioral, pharmacologic, and non-pharmacologic treatments
Describe the use of cognitive enhancers (cholinesterase inhibitors, memantine) including indications, side effects, and monitoring
Develop a safety plan for a patient with dementia including driving, home safety, and caregiver support
Interpret results of cognitive screening instruments (MMSE, MoCA, Mini-Cog)

Write a case-based management plan for a patient with dementia and recurrent falls, including interventions and follow-up

Week 3

Explain age-related changes in pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics
Apply the Beers Criteria to identify potentially inappropriate medications in older adults
Conduct a structured medication review and deprescribing plan for polypharmacy
Perform a comprehensive geriatric assessment including functional, cognitive, and social domains
Interpret common screening tests (e.g., timed up and go, gait speed, ADL/IADL scales)

Complete a medication review and deprescribing plan for a hypothetical patient on 10 medications, citing Beers Criteria

Week 4

Summarize age-related cardiovascular changes and their clinical implications
Outline the diagnosis and management of hypertension, heart failure, and atrial fibrillation in older adults
Recognize atypical presentations of acute coronary syndrome and stroke in the elderly
Describe the management of diabetes in older adults including glycemic targets and avoidance of hypoglycemia
Explain age-related renal changes and adjust drug dosing for renal impairment

Create a management algorithm for an older adult with atrial fibrillation and chronic kidney disease, including anticoagulation choice

Week 5

Differentiate common rheumatologic conditions (osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, polymyalgia rheumatica, gout) in older adults
Outline the assessment and management of osteoporosis and fracture prevention
Recognize and manage common neurologic disorders in the elderly (Parkinson disease, peripheral neuropathy, stroke sequelae)
Identify and treat common psychiatric disorders in late life (depression, anxiety, psychosis) with attention to drug safety
Describe the approach to gait disorders and balance impairment

Write a case-based plan for an older adult with Parkinson disease and depression, addressing drug interactions and fall risk

Week 6

Recommend age-appropriate immunizations according to current guidelines
Outline the diagnosis and management of common infections in older adults (pneumonia, UTI, sepsis) with attention to atypical presentation
Describe nutritional assessment and interventions for malnutrition and weight loss in the elderly
Summarize cancer screening recommendations for older adults based on life expectancy and patient preferences
Explain the role of exercise and fall prevention in health maintenance

Develop a personalized preventive care plan for a 75-year-old with multiple comorbidities, including immunizations and screenings

Week 7

Assess and manage pain in older adults using a multimodal approach
Describe the principles of palliative care and end-of-life care, including advance care planning
Identify ethical and legal issues in geriatric care (capacity, informed consent, elder abuse, driving)
Compare long-term care settings and reimbursement models
Apply a framework for discussing goals of care and code status with patients and families

Write a sample advance care planning conversation script and a pain management plan for an older adult with cancer

Week 8

Review high-yield topics from all domains using spaced repetition and practice questions
Complete a full-length practice exam under timed conditions
Analyze incorrect answers to identify knowledge gaps and revisit weak areas
Revisit key guidelines and updates in geriatric medicine
Consolidate notes and summaries for rapid review

Score at least 70% on a 100-question cumulative practice exam and create a list of top 10 weak areas with action plans

Week 2: Complete a 20-question quiz on geriatric syndromes and dementia with ≥80% accuracy

Week 4: Complete a 40-question quiz covering pharmacology, normal aging, cardiovascular, and endocrine domains with ≥75% accuracy

Week 6: Complete a 40-question quiz on musculoskeletal, neurologic, psychiatric, infectious disease, and preventive care with ≥75% accuracy

Week 8: Pass a 100-question cumulative practice exam with ≥70% score and demonstrate improvement in previously weak areas