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The risk of developing ovarian cancer increases with age and the condition primarily affects post-menopausal women.

Skin cancer incidences continue to rise and the older patients are at particular risk. Correct diagnosis and early referral is important to allow for expert management and early effective treatment.

Affective disorders are psychiatric diseases with multiple aspects, including biological, behavioural, social, and psychological factors. This article highlights the clinical features and the treatment options in older people.

Epilepsy is more common in older people, but diagnosis can be delayed by atypical presentation and non-specific symptoms. Mood problems such as depression and anxiety are also common.

Older people have a higher risk of completed suicide than any other age group. Mental health disorders, especially depression, have been consistently shown to have associations with suicidality in the older patient.

The National Osteoporosis Society is the only UK wide charity dedicated to improving the diagnosis, prevention and treatment of osteoporosis. This article reviews some of its current work.

GPs in the UK will, on average, each have 50 men on their list between the ages of 60 and 80 years who have moderate or severe urinary symptoms related to benign prostatic hyperplasia. This article discusses the prevalence and assessment in general practice of this condition.

Dementia is a devastating illness that leads to a progressive decline in a person's cognition and functioning. Patients frequently experience a wide array of behavioural and psychological symptoms, including agitation and aggression. These symptoms can be extremely distressing to patients and those who care for them. Antipsychotic medications have been the mainstay of pharmacological treatment and are used to treat these in patients with dementia in both the community and in hospital. However, recent studies have shown an increased risk of morbidity and mortality with long-term use.

Prostate cancer is the second leading cause of cancer death in men in the western world. Castrate resistant prostate cancer (CRPC) occurs when hormone therapy fails to arrest the growth of prostate cancer; death due to prostate cancer is a result of CRPC. Chemotherapy is used in the treatment of CRPC and has shown improvement in quality of life and a modest survival benefit. In this review we discuss new biological treatments as well as the role of radiotherapy and radionuclides in the treatment of CRPC.

Alcohol use disorders are common in the elderly, and on the increase as the population ages. While life changes may trigger the unhealthy use of alcohol, ageing physiology, comorbidities and polypharmacy can increase vulnerability to its effects. Alcohol use disorders are currently underdiagnosed in older people, in whom the early signs may be masked by altered patterns of drinking and non-specific presentations.

National guidance insists on discussion with mentally competent adults prior to making "Do not attempt resuscitation" orders about them. It is also evident that discussions related to resuscitation do not cause distress to the majority of adults. However, evidence shows that such discussions are rare, and that the resistance often lies with clinicians. Here, we explore the pertinent issues revealed in relevant research.

Dry eyes are a frequent problem, particularly in older people. The tear film is a complex structure with a superficial thin oily layer overlying the watery layer and then a mucous layer. Dry eyes are aggravated by drying conditions such as central heating or low blink rate, as seen when concentrating on television or driving. Many treatments are available for this condition and most can be purchased over the counter and self-adminstered by the patient.

Ulysses syndrome is the name attributed to needless investigations conducted as a result of false-positive test results. It causes needless distress to the patients and leads to waste of human and financial resources.

Hypokalaemia is one of the most common electrolyte abnormalities encountered in clinical practice. The most common cause of renal loss of potassium in primary care is use of loop or thiazide diuretics. Extra-renal causes include fasting or prolonged vomiting, and redistribution of potassium from the extracellular to the intracellular compartment may occur acutely in acidosis. Treatment includes potassium supplementation or dietary advice, but diet alone is not sufficient to replenish potassium after diuretic therapy, vomiting, or nasogastric drainage because potassium is not generally available naturally coupled with chloride, which is also depleted in these conditions.

Epilepsy is a serious neurological condition, affecting around 456,000, or one in 131, people in the UK. This article reviews the work of Epilepsy Action.