Physicians vary in approaches to the clinical management of delirium

Article Abstract:

Physicians with expertise in geriatrics have been found to vary in approaches to the clinical management of delirium, based on results of a cross-sectional mail survey. Management choices were presented in a two-part case vignette in which an older woman hospitalized with hip fracture develops mild and then severe delirium. The common selection of lorazepam to treat delirium is troubling because benzodiaz epines themselves are perhaps a factor in delirium. Selection of a first dose of haloperidol high er than that recommended for geriatric patients by more than half of the respondents is also a matter of concern. Sound evidence to guide the choice of pharmacolo gical agents for such a situation is lacking.

Author: Francis, Joseph, Howell, Timothy, Carnes, Molly, Rosenberg, Marjorie, Hildegrand, Christopher, Knuppel, Jeffrey
Product information, Management dynamics, Care and treatment, Pharmaceutical industry, Practice, Dosage and administration, Hip fractures, Evidence-based medicine, Delirium, Lorazepam, Haloperidol, Geriatricians

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Managing dyslipidemia in older adults

Article Abstract:

Elevated low-density lipoprotein and total cholesterol levels are independent risk factors for coronary heart disease (CHD) events in patients older than 65. A literature search of peer-reviewed journal articles has been used to study management of dyslipidemia in older adults as a risk factor for CHD. Efficacy and safety of lipid-lowering interventions in the elderly were investigated and found to be good. Exercise is helpful, especially if accompanied by weight loss. Drugs and diets are discussed.

Author: Carnes, Molly, Stein, James H., Carlsson, Cynthia M., McBride, Patrick E.
Aging, Prevention, Risk factors, Demographic aspects, Coronary heart disease, Physical fitness, Heart diseases, Heart attack, Hormone therapy, Exercise, Low density lipoproteins, Lipids, Diet therapy, Hyperlipidemia, Hypercholesterolemia, Enzyme inhibitors, Cookery, Mediterranean, Mediterranean cooking, Exercise for the aged, Physical fitness for the aged

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Psychotropic prescription use by community-dwelling elderly in the United States

Article Abstract:

A study of data from the Medical Expenditure Survey of 1996 reveals that 19% of community dwelling elderly patients take some form of prescribed psychotropic drug, with 9.1% taking some form of antidepressant drug. Demographic variables did not reveal any predisposing factors other than need and availability of prescription insurance. Women were more likely than men to take psychotropic medication.

Author: Aparasu, Rajender R., Mort, Jane R., Brandt, Heather
Drug use, Nursing home patients

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Subjects list: Health aspects, Aged, Elderly, United States, Usage, Physiological aspects, Drug therapy, Psychotropic drugs, Geriatrics
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