Age and ageing
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guidelines have changed in relation to the indication of antiplatelet therapy for the primary and secondary prevention of stroke. Of interest is how the proportion of patients who had or had not taken antiplatelet agents prior to an incident stroke has changed over time, whether the type of antiplatelet agents used has altered and whether prior antiplatelet use is associated with a particular ischaemic stroke subtype. ⋯ our findings highlight the requirement to improve currently available risk prediction scores as well as the potential clinical impact of antiplatelet resistance within the at risk population who are already on antiplatelets. These findings also indicate that targeting of multiple risk factors may be very important in stroke prevention.
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two-thirds of older patients admitted as an emergency to a general hospital have co-existing mental health problems including delirium, dementia and depression. This study describes the outcomes of older adults with co-morbid mental health problems after an acute hospital admission. ⋯ the variable, but often adverse, outcomes in this group implies a wide range of health and social care needs. Community and acute services to meet these needs should be anticipated and provided for.
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to determine the impact of recently proposed age-specific alcohol consumption limits on the proportion and number of older people classified at risk of alcohol-related harm. ⋯ age-specific drinking recommendations proposed in the Royal College of Psychiatrists Report would increase the number of older drinkers classified as hazardous alcohol consumers to a level greater than found among young adults aged 16-24.