Oncohema Key

Death and Dying Breaking bad news Geriatricians frequently break bad news. No matter how old and frail the patient, the news can always come as a devastating blow. Equally, news…

Malignancy Malignancy in older people Cancer is a disease of the elderly population, being relatively rare in people under 35 years of age, and increasing in incidence with each decade….

Genitourinary Medicine The ageing genitourinary system Changes in women Oestrogen levels fall following menopause (usually around age 50) leading to vaginal epithelium atrophy, decreased vaginal lubrication, and acidification and greater…

Eyes The ageing eye Vision is a complex activity which involves eye function, cognition, reasoning, and memory. With increasing age the chance of visual impairment increases because of: Changes due…

Gastroenterology The ageing gastrointestinal system Teeth Change colour—yellow and less translucent Become worn (enamel does not regenerate) Decreased vascularity and sensitivity of dentine and pulp Caries, periodontitis, and tooth loss…

Musculoskeletal System Osteoarthritis Osteoarthritis (OA) is the most common joint disorder in older patients causing massive burden of morbidity and dependency. It is not inevitable with ageing. A disorder of…

Incontinence Urinary incontinence: causes ▶Incontinence has a major adverse impact on quality of life and has significant associated morbidity (it may be the last straw leading to institutionalization). Even longstanding…

Endocrinology The ageing endocrine system Ageing and thyroid function Normal thyroid function is preserved in healthy older people. Median TSH levels drift upwards very slowly with age, but remain within…

Psychiatry Cognitive ageing Cognitive, or thinking, ability is the product of: ‘Fixed intelligence’, the result of previous thinking, which often increases with age, ie ‘wisdom’ ‘Fluid intelligence’, ie real-time information…

Pressure Injuries Pressure sores Areas of skin necrosis due to pressure-induced ischaemia found on sacrum, heels, over greater trochanters, shoulders, etc. Also known as decubitus ulcers or bedsores. Incidence higher…