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…
The older person with anxiety
Chapter 23 THE OLDER PERSON WITH ANXIETY INTRODUCTION Anxiety is a universal and normal human experience. It has survival value when it leads an individual to avoid danger. Anxiety is…
Outcome evaluation
Chapter 36 OUTCOME EVALUATION INTRODUCTION The demonstration of quality of care requires evaluation from a number of aspects. Outcome measurement can occur at a variety of levels (government, service and…
The older person with suicidal thoughts
Chapter 21 THE OLDER PERSON WITH SUICIDAL THOUGHTS INTRODUCTION Some of the highest rates for suicide are found among older people, particularly men. Yet despite this fact, older people are…
Rating scales
Chapter 35 RATING SCALES INTRODUCTION Throughout this book there have been references to rating scales used to assist with assessment and to monitor and evaluate treatment. The purpose of this…
Palliative and end-of-life care
Chapter 34 PALLIATIVE AND END-OF-LIFE CARE INTRODUCTION Among all the medical advances and increased capability to cure in the last few decades, healthcare lost its way in relation to the…
