Current Issue

A Review and Update of Insulins in the Management of Elderly Patients with Diabetes

admin — Thu, 19 Aug 2010 09:36:42 -0400

This article is the fourth in a continuing series on diabetes in the elderly. The third article in the series, “Diabetes Agents in the Elderly: An Update of New Therapies and a Review of Established Treatments,” was published in the June issue of the Journal. The remaining articles in the series will discuss such topics as the role of exercise and dietary supplements in the management of diabetes, and microvascular and macrovascular complications of diabetes.

Potential Adverse Effects of Proton Pump Inhibitors in the Elderly

admin — Thu, 19 Aug 2010 11:48:17 -0400

Introduction
Since the introduction of omeprazole in 1989, proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) have become one of the most commonly prescribed classes of medications in the world. In 2007, PPI sales in the United States were in excess of $11 billion.¹ Esomeprazole and lansoprazole both ranked among the top five drugs sold in the United States in 2007.¹

Helping an Older Man Quit Smoking

admin — Thu, 19 Aug 2010 12:05:23 -0400

Case Presentation
Mr. D is a 67-year-old married male who comes to the Emergency Department (ED) with complaints of chest pain and shortness of breath. He is accompanied by his wife, who reports that Mr. D has been having episodes of coughing and shortness of breath for several months but has refused to see his doctor. Earlier that day he developed chest pain in addition to coughing and shortness of breath, so Mrs. D called 911.

Possible Association of Takotsubo Cardiomyopathy During COPD Exacerbation

admin — Thu, 19 Aug 2010 12:20:22 -0400

Introduction

Managing the Enlarged Prostate Gland in Elderly Men

admin — Thu, 19 Aug 2010 12:24:44 -0400

Case Presentation

What You Should Know About Prostate Cancer Screening

admin — Thu, 19 Aug 2010 12:29:55 -0400

From The American Urological Association Foundation. Please click here for pdf.

Erectile Dysfunction in Older Men

admin — Thu, 19 Aug 2010 12:32:06 -0400

Case Presentation

Hypocalcemia: An Underrecognized Problem in Older Adults

admin — Thu, 19 Aug 2010 12:36:07 -0400

This past week, I have had several patients with abnormal serum calcium levels, both high and low, and thought it would be a good idea to remind others about the problem of hypocalcemia. While hypercalcemia is not an infrequent finding in the older person, few physicians expect to see low calcium values. If they are noted on the laboratory results, they usually assume that they are due to low protein binding; total calcium levels are usually what have been measured. Patients with true hypocalcemia are not uncommon if one looks hard enough or sees patients in the setting of acute illness. In fact, one study reported that 70% of patients in a medical Intensive Care Unit had a low serum calcium level at some time during their admission.¹ Of note, the exact cause of the hypocalcemia could be identified in only 45% of these cases.

Dr. Sharon Inouye Presents Lecture on Delirium in the Elderly

admin — Thu, 19 Aug 2010 12:38:10 -0400

In addition to saving older adults’ lives, the prevention and treatment of delirium may lower their risks of lasting cognitive impairment, Sharon K. Inouye, MD, MPH, told an audience of more than 1500 geriatrics healthcare professionals during the AGS’ Annual Scientific Meeting in May. Dr. Inouye, the winner of the AGS’ 2010 Edward Henderson State-of-the-Art Award, delivered the meeting’s Henderson State-of-the-Art Lecture, which focused on her seminal research concerning delirium and functional decline in older people. “Delirium may provide the unique opportunity for early intervention and prevention of permanent cognitive damage,” Dr. Inouye noted.

American Thoracic Society 2010 International Conference

admin — Thu, 19 Aug 2010 12:41:55 -0400

The 2010 International Conference of the American Thoracic Society (ATS) was held in New Orleans, LA, May 14-19, with an international attendance of over 15,000 persons. This annual meeting of respiratory health researchers and clinicians took on additional significance since 2010 has been designated the “Year of the Lung” by hundreds of international organizations focusing on the importance of lung health and lung disease. The campaign is aimed at educating the public, elected officials, and the media about the global importance of respiratory health and the quality of the air that we breathe.