Issue

Erectile dysfunction (ED) is defined as the inability to achieve or maintain an erection sufficient for satisfactory sexual performance. Although ED is not a normal change of age, it is very common. While not a life-threatening problem, it nevertheless is a source of significant stress to many men. Regardless of the man’s age, it is likely to have a significant effect on self-esteem and quality of life. While there are some normal changes in sexual function with healthy aging, these changes are not so severe that enjoyment of sexual activity must be abandoned. Unlike younger men, psyc

In general, auditory hallucinations can be “unformed,” with the perception of ringing, chirping, buzzing, roaring, clicking, whooshing, blowing, etc; or “formed,” with the perception of word sentences and musical tones. Auditory musical hallucinations (AMHs) occur in psychiatric disease,1,2 ictal states of complex partial seizures,3-5 abnormalities in the auditory cortex,6 thalamic infarcts, subarachnoid hemorrhage,7 tumors of the brain stem,8 intoxications,9 and progressive deafness.10

Nonpsychotic AMHs, as a type of “formed tinnitus,” occur in people with age-related bilateral

We received a letter from Ms. C, who describes herself as a relatively healthy 77-year-old woman. At her recent checkup, her physician recommended she have a screening colonoscopy. After expressing her “less than enthusiastic feeling toward the upcoming experience,” she was told by the physician that she should cheer up because a colonoscopy is recommended only every 10 years, and at her age, she shouldn’t have to undergo it ever again. Regarding being told so bluntly of her finite expected lifespan, Ms. C comments, “I am not exactly ready to leave in 10 years. In fact, I am descended

Case Presentation
Mr. C is an 82-year-old married male who was diagnosed with dementia of the Alzheimer’s type four years ago. He lives with his 80-year-old wife in a basement apartment that the couple has shared since they married 58 years ago. Mrs. C has cared for her husband since he first started showing signs of confusion and forgetfulness. The couple has no children, and their only relative is a niece who lives in a distant state.

Mrs. C has never had any formal help in caring for her husband. She takes him with her to run errands and go shopping, and regularly keeps appoin

Using C-Reactive Protein to Predict Cardiovascular Risk

To The Editor:

Dr. Blaine presented an excellent analysis of C-reactive protein usage in the elderly population for cardiovascular risk reduction.1 My question concerns the myeloperoxidase level and its assessment. Should this level be checked, and under what circumstances would it prove useful?

(Dr.) Frank M. Shanley, PA, FACC
Denville, NJ

Reference
1. Blaine JM. Using C-reactive protein to predict cardiovascular risk in older patients. Clinical Geriatrics 2007;15(8):20-25.

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Practicing physicians and other healthcare professionals seeking to improve the care they provide to their older patients should benefit from a number of recent projects and programs developed by academic centers through the generous support of the Donald W. Reynolds Foundation.

Six years ago, the Foundation began offering grants to academic health centers to support efforts to develop comprehensive projects that improve geriatrics training for medical students, residents—and practicing clinicians. It has since awarded 30 leading academic centers the four-year grants, which total roughly

When the temperature drops, older adults run a high risk of health problems related to the cold—including hypothermia (dangerously low body temperature), frostbite, falls in ice and snow, and injuries. So it’s important that they, and those who care for them, take certain precautions this time of year. Here’s what you need to know to protect yourself, or older loved ones, from: Hypothermia: Because older adults have slower metabolisms, they tend to produce less body heat than younger people. Thanks to the way our bodies change as we age, it’s also harder for older adul

This continuing medical education activity is presented 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 “Distinguishing Pemphigus and Pemphigoid for the Non-Dermatologist,” which appears on pages 41-45 of this issue of Clinical Geriatrics.

ACCREDITATION
The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Contin

ACCREDITATION
The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education to provide continuing medical education for physicians.

The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine takes responsibility for the content, quality, and scientific integrity of this CME activity.

CREDIT DESIGNATION STATEMENT
The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine designates this educational activity for a maximum of 1AMA PRA Category 1 Credit™. Physicians should only claim credit commensurate with the extent of their