admin

Generalised anxiety disorder is common and can present in older people, often in conjunction with depressive symptoms. Pharmacological treatments have included tricyclic antidepressants, benzodiazepines, and antipsychotics, but a selection…
Read more ...

Low back pain is a common presenting symptom in older patients and results in significant disability and functional decline. We look at the important causes of low back pain, the imaging techniques to diagnose the underlying pathology, and…
Read more ...

Gallstone disease and its complications are extremely common in elderly populations; therefore in the context of the UK's ageing population and recent advances in biliary tract surgery, this review outlines the key aspects of managing…
Read more ...

The psychostimulants methylphenidate and dexamfetamine have been used safely in child psychiatry for attention deficit and hyperactivity disorder for more than two decades. Use of stimulants in elderly people probably predates that in…
Read more ...

Older patients can benefit greatly from elective surgery, but complications and adverse events must be considered. Variables that affect outcome include the differing risks of particular procedures and the functional capacity and…
Read more ...

Falls and related fractures are a major cause of disability and mortality in older people. Falls prevention services have been available in the UK for many years, but audits of these services show that improvements are needed. We discuss…
Read more ...

Difficulty swallowing (dysphagia) imposes a heavy burden on the NHS and patients, and can undermine nutrition, result in aspiration pneumonia, compromise quality of life, and hinder administration of solid medications. 
Read more ...

Stroke is the leading cause of adult disability in the UK. 70% of strokes occur in adults older than 65 years of age. Oral health and mouth care are usually forgotten, but are important aspects of care. Studies have highlighted the poor…
Read more ...

Nocturnal leg cramps are very common in elderly people. Diagnosis and treatment of any underlying causes such as myositis is important. Physiological treatments such as massage and exercise have not been thoroughly investigated, and the…
Read more ...

Practitioners working in dementia care are commonly involved with patients who reside, or will require placement, in a residential or nursing home. Recent legislation sets out rigorous safeguards to protect patients in this regard. Topics…
Read more ...