Respiratory Disease
Age Changes Physiology Age-related changes affect virtually all aspects of the respiratory system. Structural and functional changes occur, decreasing efficiency of gas transfer. However, because the lungs have huge reserve…
Disorders of Homeostasis and Metabolism
Age Changes There is a reduction in lean body mass and body water and a relative increase in fat. When marked this is known as sarcopaenia and constitutes a marker…
The World Grows Old
Introduction The Western world turned grey in the 20th century and much of the rest of the world will follow this century. Improvements in housing, sanitation, nutrition and education, and…
Blood and Bone Marrow
Age Changes The following facts are given because they are interesting, but they are of more theoretical than practical importance. Red Blood Cells There is evidence of reduced deformability in…
Palliative Care
Aspirations for a ‘good death’ • Understanding that death is imminent and what is likely to happen. • Feeling in control. • Being free of pain and other symptoms. •…
Psychiatric history taking
Chapter 12 PSYCHIATRIC HISTORY TAKING INTRODUCTION Comprehensive psychiatric evaluation includes history taking, mental state examination, physical examination, laboratory investigations, neuroimaging, neuropsychological assessment, diagnostic formulation and treatment planning. This chapter is…
The older person with confusion
Chapter 19 THE OLDER PERSON WITH CONFUSION INTRODUCTION The main causes of confusion among older people are dementia, delirium and amnestic disorder. These conditions are not mutually exclusive and it…
The older person with mood symptoms
Chapter 20 THE OLDER PERSON WITH MOOD SYMPTOMS INTRODUCTION Depression is one of the most common mental health problems to affect older people and it usually responds well to treatment….
Management of behaviour in dementia
Chapter 28 MANAGEMENT OF BEHAVIOUR IN DEMENTIA INTRODUCTION The dementia syndrome affects approximately 6.5% of older Australians and is characterised by cognitive impairment and a variety of non-cognitive clinical features,…
Prevention and promotion
Chapter 26 PREVENTION AND PROMOTION INTRODUCTION The aim of illness prevention and health promotion is to reduce the overall burden of mental health problems to improve the quality of life…
