Neurology

Neuropathic pain differs from inflammatory pain both in terms of its symptoms and its management. This article outlines these differences and highlights some neuropathic pain conditions found in older patients with reference to…

There have been substantial changes in dementia research over the last 20 years. For example, we have gone from basic science to licensed treatments for Alzheimer's disease. But, more needs to be done if we are ever to get to the point of…

In March this year, the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence published a new guideline for the pharmacological management of neuropathic pain. This article outlines four reasons why both primary and secondary care doctors…

Due to the increased prevalence of dementia with increasing age, people presenting with cognitive impairment and dementia, either as a main problem or as part of general comorbidity, will be more common. Pain is also more prevalent in older…

Depression in older people differs from younger adults in causation, symptom profile and response to treatment. The efficacy of various treatment approaches vary considerably. Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) is a novel treatment,…

Delirium is a common disorder in the elderly, particularly those with previous cognitive impairment, and is associated with adverse outcomes. Early recognition and adequate management is essential but prevention is a highly effective…

It has been five years since NICE published its guidance for Parkinson's disease. There have been several new developments since the publication of this guidance, including new drugs, new formulations and some controversial changes in…

Developments in pain assessment have led to a much greater understanding of the different types and definitions of pain. However, the definition of breakthrough pain is still unclear €” for some, breakthrough pain is transient pain on a…

The evidence for early supported discharge services is compelling, but progress towards widespread implementation is patchy even though the early rehabilitation of stroke patients at home has been a national priority since 2007. This…

There has been considerable controversy over several years regarding the use of cholinesterase inhibitors and memantine for the treatment of Alzheimer's disease. In a recently published technology appraisal, NICE has reversed previous…

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is the most common chronic disabling disease of the central nervous system in young adults. The late-onset MS (LOMS) variety, with clinical onset after 50 years old, is not a rare phenomenon. LOMS may present a…

Evidence shows that pharmacological and non-pharmacological interventions for people with dementia and their carers all have modest effects and many studies are of poor quality. This article considers interventions to help maintain…

Depression kills people through suicide, self neglect and its negative impact on the outcome of other diseases, especially cardiovascular disease and stroke. It is often not taken seriously enough because it is not recognised. Depression is…

Depression in Parkinson's disease is common, under recognised and under treated. Depression significantly impairs quality of life and increases the burden on caregivers. This article draws on recent research to update clinicians and aims to…

Doctors have a very important role in public safety by ensuring that patients understand their medical condition may impair their ability to drive. The aim of our study was to determine whether appropriate driving advice based on national…