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Care of the elderly: Diagnosing joint pain in older people
20 Jan 2010
Musculoskeletal disease is the most common cause of chronic pain and disability in older people. Joint pathology may lead to reduced mobility, increased risk of falls, low energy, dependency and depression. Chronic pain itself is strongly associated with psychological distress and fatigue. The importance of correctly diagnosing and managing joint pain in the elderly is paramount and the GP is central to this process.
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Care of the elderly: Normal cognitive decline or dementia?
16 Jan 2010
Brain ageing is generally thought of as atrophy, leading to cognitive deficits and functional impairment. However, there are also physiological reductions in cell numbers, connectivity and brain plasticity during the life span that may play an important role in the adjustment of brain function to the changing roles of the individual.
Managing Alzheimer's disease in primary care
01 Jan 2009
How should patients be assessed and diagnosed? What evidence-based treatments are available? Which patients should be referred?
Physical activity reduces morbidity in older patients
01 Jan 2009
What are the benefits of increased physical activity? What type of exercise is suitable for older people? How can GPs support and motivate patients to be more active?
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April 2008: Improving pain detection in older patients
23 Apr 2008
How does pain present differently in older patients? How should pain be assessed in primary care? What is the key to providing adequate analgesia?
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April 2008: Awareness key in managing depression in later life
23 Apr 2008
How common is depression in older people? What screening tools are recommended? Which patients are at risk of suicide?
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April 2007: Managing disorders of the ageing eye
01 Apr 2007
What are the normal age-related changes to the eye? When should a patient with a cataract be referred for surgery? What new treatments are available for age-related maculopathy?
April 2007: Identifying risk can reduce fall rates
01 Apr 2007
Can primary care screening for falls in the elderly make a difference? Are the NICE guidelines on falls relevant to primary care? When should GPs consider referral to a specialist falls service?
April 2007: Investigating and treating dementia in primary care
01 Apr 2007
When should dementia be suspected in a patient presenting with memory problems? When should a patient with memory problems be referred to secondary care? Which patients with dementia should be started on cholinesterase inhibitors?
