Geriatric Medicine

Part two of a reprint of an article first published in 1971 (part one was published in the January issue).

The first part of this article (published December 2010) reviewed the clinical features and differential diagnosis of superficial thrombophlebitis and deep vein thrombosis. This second part discusses how these conditions are managed.

Sexuality in older people is affected by various factors including, sexual physiology in old age, physical illness, medication and mental illness; therefore, a thorough sexual history should form part of a comprehensive psychiatric…

Temporary transvenous pacing (TTVP) is an emergency procedure frequently performed in the elderly. An apparent decline in its use, which appears to be multifactorial, has led to its role in a district general hospital (DGH) to be…

The elderly smoker can suffer numerous diseases as a result of long-term tobacco use but evidence demonstrates that smoking cessation is beneficial. Self-help material, counselling, group therapy and medications are all useful, although the…

Osteoporosis is a chronic disease affecting the whole skeleton, causing bones to become more fragile, and increasing the risk of fracture. Having one fracture increases the risk of future fractures, so patients who have had a fracture need…

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…

A comprehensive report of GM's first annual conference The older patient: bridging the gap between primary and secondary care.

The sixth National Medicine for Old Age Psychiatrists conference took place, on the 8€“9th November 2010, at the Institute of Physics. This report is based on some of the key presentations of the conference.

Substance misuse in older people has received very little attention from clinicians and policy makers. Due to the ageing population and changing trends in substance misuse, we can no longer consider this clinical issue as a rare phenomenon.…

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…

The hospital has a vital and central role to play in the pattern of Geriatric Care. This article examines the multidisciplinary and many faced role of the geriatric unit in managing the patients social, medical and psychological needs.

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…

Gout is a common presentation in the elderly population; therefore, physicians need to be skilled at its diagnosis and treatment. This paper addresses the diagnosis and treatment of gout, with a particular focus on challenges in the…