| Falls in older people: causes and prevention |
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Approximately one-third of New Zealander’s aged over 65 years fall each year and this can result in considerable morbidity. Management is guided by the cause of the fall. Falls prevention interventions should be individually targeted.
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| Driving, Miss Daisy. Driving rules and assessment for older people |
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The incidence of medical conditions that can affect safe driving increases with age. Older people should be regularly assessed for their fitness to drive and prepared early for the possibility that they may not be able to drive, at some point in the future. This should occur not only at the time of driver licence renewal, but whenever medical conditions or medications change that may impact on driving ability and safety.
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| Antipsychotics in people with dementia: an update and reminder |
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The Antipsychotics in Dementia (A4D) programme was launched in October 2008. Since then, the use of antipsychotics in older people has continued to increase. Non-pharmacological treatments for the behavioural and psychological symptoms of dementia should be trialled first before considering drug therapy. Antipsychotics are only indicated for aggression, agitation or psychotic symptoms that cause significant distress or risk of harm to the patient or others.
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Time is brain: emergency treatment of stroke
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Stroke is the third most common cause of death in New Zealand, with approximately 22 strokes occurring each day. Stroke should be dealt with immediately - “time is brain”. Patients with symptoms suggestive of stroke should be referred to secondary care management without delay.
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Secondary stroke prevention
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People who have had a stroke or transient ischaemic attack are at increased risk of future stroke, especially in the first few months. A further stroke may be preventable if risk reduction strategies are undertaken. Secondary stroke prevention includes lifestyle interventions, blood pressure management, antithrombotic treatment and lipid lowering agents.
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| Essentials |
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