International journal of geriatric psychiatry
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Int J Geriatr Psychiatry · Mar 1997
Comparative StudyThe experience of dying with dementia: a retrospective study.
To describe the last year of life of people with dementia, their symptoms, care needs, use of and satisfaction with health services and the bereavement state of the respondent. ⋯ Patients dying from dementia have symptoms and health care needs comparable with cancer patients. Greater attention should be given to these needs.
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Int J Geriatr Psychiatry · Mar 1997
Education and decline in cognitive performance: compensatory but not protective.
The association between education and cognitive change was investigated in a large community sample of elderly people followed up after 3.6 years. Lower education was predictive of decline on the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) and on tests of language and knowledge, but not on tests of cognitive speed, memory or reaction time. ⋯ The findings suggest that education slows the rate of decline on crystallized intelligence, but not other cognitive abilities. Education may compensate for neurodegenerative changes rather than protect against them.
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Int J Geriatr Psychiatry · Mar 1997
Orthostatic hypotension and low blood pressure in organic dementia: a study of prevalence and related clinical characteristics.
To determine the prevalence of orthostatic hypotension (OH), low blood pressure and dizziness, falls and fractures in patients with organic dementia. ⋯ The results support our clinical impressions that OH and low blood pressure is common and an important factor in organic dementia.