Fahr’s disease in an older adult: a geriatric view

• Autores: Damián-Mucha, Milagros, Takami-Angeles , Graciela, Arroyo-Zevallos, Carla, Gamarra-Samaniego, María, Torres-Salinas, Carlos
• Formato: artículo
• Fecha de Publicación: 2025
• Institución: Universidad de San Martín de Porres
• Repositorio: Horizonte médico
• Lenguaje: español
• OAI Identifier: oai:horizontemedico.usmp.edu.pe:article/2855
• Enlace del recurso: https://www.horizontemedico.usmp.edu.pe/index.php/horizontemed/article/view/2855
• Nivel de acceso: acceso abierto
• Materia: Delirium; Calcinoses; Frailty; Aged; Delirio; Calcinosis; Síndrome del Paciente Frágil; Adulto Mayor

Fahr’s disease is an unusual condition, characterized by bilateral and symmetrical intracranialcalcifications. We present the case of a 75-year-old man, who was admitted to the emergencyroom due to a biliary obstruction following a periampullary neoplasm. During his stay, the patientfell after an episode of psychomotor agitation without apparent cause; therefore, it led to acomputed tomography (CT) scan of the brain, which revealed bilateral calcified lesions in the basalnuclei and globus pallidus. The disease was managed exclusively, but there were shortcomingsin the integrated approach to the older adult. Subsequently, during the comprehensive geriatricassessment, it was detected that the was a frail elderly patient, with acquired deconditioning,malnutrition, social vulnerability, and caregiver overload.This suggests that the approach to frail older adult patients in hospitalization areas is alarminglyinsufficient and is reflected in a critical gap in the training and development of specializedgeriatric practices. The lack of adequate knowledge about the complexities and specific needsof this vulnerable population results in suboptimal care, prolonged hospital stays, and anincrease in complication and readmission rates, not only due to the disease but also because of theoverlooked social context. This deficiency highlights the urgent need to prioritize the comprehensivemanagement of older adults across all specialties and geriatrics, promoting more robust training forhealthcare professionals and the development of specific protocols that ensure integrated, safe, anddignified care.