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Postprandial hypotension is commonly defined as a decrease in systolic blood pressure of 20mmHg or more observed within two hours after meal ingestion. It is very common in older patients especially in those living in long-term healthcare homes. Patients with postprandial hypotension may develop symptomatic hypotension, syncope and falls.

Diabetes is a major healthcare challenge for both primary and secondary care, affecting approximately one in 10 people over 65 years of age. An estimated 25% of people with diabetes undergo surgical procedures, often as a result of complications. Mortality rates have been estimated to be up to five times greater in patients with diabetes than those without the condition, and adverse surgical outcomes have been documented after a range of procedures.

Transient Ischaemic Attacks (TIAs) are defined as temporary neurological deficits lasting less than 24 hours. In this review, we aim to delineate TIAs to ensure prompt diagnosis and management. We do this by presenting a case series with a review of current guidelines in order to illustrate key points.

Diabetes is a chronic multi-system disease that needs specialised annual review that is thorough, efficient and beneficial to the patient's needs. The diabetes review clinic in the UK has varying formats and contents. In the main, the goal should be to review the patient holistically as diabetes can affect every system in the body. By assessing the patient's glycaemic control and screening for potential complications, we run the best chance of limiting the severity of disease progression.

The NICE QOF advisory committee has decided to pilot indicators for osteoporosis and fractures with a view to inclusion in the 2012/2013 framework; a six-monthly injectable anti-resorptive agent recently launched in the UK is to be incorporated into NOGG guidance; and NICE will review the need to update its 2008 technology appraisals for the primary and secondary prevention of osteoporotic fragility fractures in postmenopausal women.

In 2000, the World Health Organization reported depression to be the leading cause of disability, as measured by years lived with disability, and the fourth leading contributor to the global burden of disease. In this article, we will review the available literature and address epidemiological issues, risk factors, clinical presentation and the management of moderate-severe depression in late life.

Anniversary article; first published in 1970.

Cancer of the bladder is a commonly diagnosed malignancy that is frequently seen in the elderly population and accounts for significant morbidity and mortality. The annual statistics for the UK report that 10,000 cases are diagnosed and that there are almost 5000 deaths each year, of which 90% are in people over the age of 65 years. Almost 90% of the patients have transitional cell carcinoma of the bladder.

A range of effective drug treatments are available for Parkinson's disease (PD). However, long-term treatment is associated with the development of motor complications in a proportion of patients. The traditional view has been that deferring the initiation of therapy may be beneficial in patients with milder symptoms. However, recently, this view has been challenged as evidence has emerged that therapies given early in the disease course may have a beneficial effect in slowing disease progression.

The publication of the 2006 NICE guidelines for Parkinson's disease may seem to have taken much of the management of patients with Parkinson's disease out of the hands of the GP and put them solely in the care of hospital specialists. However, GP input remains relevant at all stages of the illness. This article aims to highlight where the GP fits into the increasing panel of health professionals caring for patients and their families.

Superficial thrombophlebitis (phlebitis) and deep vein thrombosis (DVT) are both common conditions and they share some clinical features and risk factors. It is important to differentiate between the two disorders because they are managed differently. In part one of this two-part article, the clinical features and the differential diagnosis of phlebitis and DVT are examined. Part two will examine the management options for each condition.

Catheterisation is an important and commonly performed clinical procedure. In this article we review types and indications for catheters and we discuss the major complications of catheter insertion, with the focus being on urinary tract infections (UTIs). We explore how advances in catheter technology and our understanding of biofilm formation may lead to the development of safer catheters with reduced risks of UTIs and other complications.

Chronic heart failure is a common condition, with high mortality rates and poor prognosis if not treated aggressively. Numerous comorbidities may co-exist and should all be given equal consideration when treating patients. In this review, we discuss the management of the commonly associated chronic non-cardiac conditions seen in patients with chronic heart failure.

Anniversary article; first published in 1970.

Anniversary article; first published 40 years ago.