For Your Patient

Visual impairment is very common in the older adult. Many eye disorders do not exhibit any symptoms until they enter their late stages. Therefore, it is important to schedule an appointment with your ophthalmologist for a medical exam every 2-4 years if you are between the ages of 40 and 64, and every 1-2 years if you are 65 years of age or older. If you are experiencing any changes in vision, schedule an appointment immediately. Although some disorders cannot be cured, there are ways to delay onset or progression. This patient aid outlines the symptoms, risk factors, prevention, and treatm...

A stroke occurs when a blood vessel breaks or when a blood clot blocks a blood vessel or artery. This interrupts blood flow and destroys brain cells in the immediate area; this area of dead brain cells is known as an infarct. After these cells die, chemicals are released, affecting brain cells in the surrounding area of brain tissue where blood supply is compromised. Symptoms of a stroke include numbness or weakness, usually on one side of the body in the face, arm, or leg; confusion, trouble speaking, or understanding; difficulty seeing in one or both eyes; trouble walking, dizziness, loss...

Parkinson’s disease (PD) usually affects persons over age 50, and is the result of the loss of dopamine-producing brain cells. The main symptoms of PD are tremor (trembling), rigidity (stiffness of limbs and trunk), bradykinesia (slowness of movement), and postural instability (impaired balance and coordination). Other symptoms may include emotional changes such as depression; difficulty swallowing, chewing, and speaking; urinary problems or constipation; skin problems; and sleep disruptions. Symptom severity occurs gradually, increasing more rapidly in some persons than in others. As PD ...

Of all deaths in the U.S. in 2002, 38% were caused by cardiovascular disease, which has been the number one killer in the U.S. nearly every year since 1900. Over 38% of Americans with one or more types of cardiovascular disease are ages 65 or older. In order to lead a healthier, longer life, it is important to recognize the risk factors for heart disease that you can and cannot change, and eliminate those which you can control.

Some risk factors for heart disease that can be controlled are high blood pressure and blood cholesterol, tobacco use, diabetes, physical inactivity, obesity...

This continuing medical education activity is sponsored by the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland. The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine takes responsibility for the content, quality, and scientific integrity of this CME activity.

These examination questions are based on the article “Aging with Diabetes—An Underappreciated Cause of Progressive Disability and Reduced Quality of Life,” which appears on pages 45-53 in this issue of Clinical Geriatrics.

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The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine is accredited...