Geriatrics

Editor's Choice

Mental and physical activity can boost cognitive function in elderly

Elders at risk for cognitive impairment can improve cognitive function with increased mental and physical activity, according to a study in the December issue of the Journals of Gerontology.

LATEST ARTICLES

Physician's Focus: Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD)—Risk Factors and Treatments

The National Eye Institute now cites age-related macular degeneration (AMD) as a leading cause of vision loss in Americans 60 years of age and older. Though age has long been identified as a leading AMD risk factor (one third of adults over age 75 are affected) recent research is pointing to other risk factors such as race and obesity. Further studies indicate that AMD may itself be a risk factor for comorbidities such as cardiovascular disease. Fortunately, new predictive models and long-term supplement regimens may better identify and reduce risk for patients threatened by the most severe forms of AMD.

Physician's Focus: End-of-life Care for Elderly—Comfort of Body and Mind Is Sought

Whether delivered at home, in a hospital, at a hospice, or a nursing facility, the objective of palliative care for terminally ill elderly patients is to intervene both in physical and psychosocial dimensions to improve as much as possible the overall quality of what's left of the patient's life. Equally as important as symptom management and having treatment options are patient dignity, the patient's family and interpersonal relationships, emotional support, addressing life's unfinished business, and spiritual issues.

Erectile dysfunction and premature ejaculation: underlying causes and available treatments

This review examines the underlying causes associated with ED and PE and evaluates currently available treatment options and those under investigation.

Diclofenac sodium topical solution (Pennsaid): Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory topical solution approved for chronic management of knee osteoarthritis

New formulation: Diclofenac sodium topical solution (Pennsaid) was approved on November 5, 2009, to treat the signs and symptoms of osteoarthritis of the knee.

Viewpoint: How to handle a death in the family and keep going

No one educates young physicians on how to tell your own family that someone is dying or how to balance your grief and sadness with your family's request for medical knowledge.