Interstitial lung disease (ILD) is a general term for a number of diseases characterised by progressive pulmonary fibrosis or €œscarring€ of the lungs. The term fibrosis implies formation of abnormal connective tissue within the lung…

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…

An extensive database has firmly established the efficacy of several therapeutic interventions following myocardial infarction including their effectiveness in elderly people. Several guidelines are available to guide clinicians and…

Tinnitus is a common symptom with 7% of the UK adult population attending their GP specifically about tinnitus. The prevalence increases with age and hearing loss although it can also be present at any age and with normal hearing. Tinnitus…

Coronary heart disease (CHD) incorporates a range of conditions including chronic stable angina, acute coronary syndromes and myocardial infarction. Chronic stable angina pectoris is a common problem in the UK, with a prevalence of just…

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…

The National Service Framework (NSF) for Older People was a ten year plan for improving health and care services for older people in England. It was published in March, 2001. I was Chair of the External Reference Group for the development…

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…

Not only are people with atrial fibrillation more likely to have a stroke than people without the condition, they are also more likely to have a fatal or disabling stroke. Therefore in this population, stroke prevention is vital.…

The population around the world is ageing. By 2050, it is anticipated that we will see an increase in the population of adults over the age of 65 years to 36%. The potential to live longer will result in an anticipated increase in the over…

Postprandial hypotension is commonly defined as the decrease in systolic blood pressure of 20mmHg or more observed within two hours after meal ingestion. It is very common in the elderly especially in those living in long term healthcare…

An audit of the screening tool of older persons' prescriptions incorporating criteria for potentially inappropriate drugs called STOPP (Screening Tool of Older Persons' Prescriptions) and criteria for potentially appropriate, indicated…

Leg discomfort is a common presentation among the elderly and can be a manifestation of many different disease processes. One key issue is how to differentiate between the benign and the more serious causes. This article will explore the…

Aortic stenosis (AS) is a narrowing or obstruction of the aortic valve and is the third most prevalent form of cardiovascular disease in the Western world after hypertension and coronary artery disease. AS is a potentially life-threatening…