ELDERLY HEALTH

This section looks at common diseases that can affect elderly people, how they are treated and current research into new treatments.

AGE AND THE EYE

This article gives an overview of common age-related conditions.

ALZHEIMER'S DISEASE

This is a progressive disease which affects some elderly people. This article covers risk factors, treatment issues and future research.

ATRIAL FIBRILLATION

Atrial fibrillation is an irregular heart beat which can lead to blood clots and strokes. This article looks the causes of the condition and what treatment is available.

BONE DENSITOMETRY
This article outlines the measurement of bone density and some treatments that are available.

BONE HEALTH

A good intake of calcium is important for maintaining healthy bones. This article provides an in depth look at how to prevent osteoporosis and profiles the calcium content of a variety of foods.

BOWEL CANCER

Bowel cancer is one of the most common cancers, but early detection can save lives. This article looks at the risk factors and treatment for colon cancer.

CAROTID ENDARTERECTOMY
This is an operation to remove blocked arteries in the neck which could lead to a stroke. This article from an American Vascular Surgeon outlines the best candidates for surgery and how the procedure is carried out.

CATARACTS

Cataracts are a common problem with ageing. The eye's lens becomes cloudy and vision is affected. This article looks at how cataracts are treated.

CHILBLAINS

This article outlines the causes ,prevention and treatment of this painful condition.

CHOLESTEROL
High cholesterol levels are linked to heart problems. This article looks at how to reduce fat in our diets and maintain a healthy heart.

CHRONIC BRONCHITIS AND EMPHYSEMA
These conditions often occur in people who are smokers or who have smoked in the past. This article provides a thorough overview of these conditions and various therapies that can help.

DEMENTIA

Dementia is a problem with advancing age, and can be caused by several diseases. This article looks at the symptoms of dementia and what can be done to help.

DEPRESSION

Depression can affect most people at some time in their lives. This article details the symptoms of depression and what treatment is recommended.

DIVERTICULAR DISEASE
Diverticulitis is a painful bowel condition which is associated with ageing. This article details the symptoms of an attack and subsequent treatment.

GLAUCOMA

Glaucoma mainly affects older people. This article includes information about symptoms and treatment of the problem.

GLAUCOMA TREATMENTS

Glaucoma is a major cause of loss of vision. This article discusses the treatments for simple or open-angle glaucoma

HEART ATTACK

Heart attacks are a leading cause of death. This article looks at how heart attacks are treated and what measures can be taken to prevent them.

HEART BYPASS SURGERY
Coronary artery bypass surgery is an effective treatment for angina, and narrowing of the arteries. It may be recommended following a heart attack. This article details the operation and follow-up care.

HEART FAILURE
Heart failure is a serious illness which requires good management. This article outlines the recommended treatments.

INFLUENZA

Influenza is a debilitating illness which can be serious in the elderly and those with weak immune systems. This article profiles the symptoms, and the flu injection available to help prevent it.

INSOMNIA

Insomnia is a stressful problem which affects most people at some time in their lives. This article provides an overview of the causes and offers advice for overcoming the problem.

JOINT REPLACEMENT SURGERY
Hip and knee joints can become stiff and painful due to arthritis. This article looks at the best candidates for joint replacement and how the operation is performed.

LEVODOPA

This drug is used to treat Parkinson's disease. This article profiles the medication, how it works, and possible side effects.

MACULAR DEGENERATION
This article provides an overview of this condition.

MUSCLE CRAMPS

Muscle cramps are a common and painful condition. This article outlines some possible underlying causes and suggestions to help.

MYELODYSPLASTIC SYNDROME
This is a blood disorder caused by changes in the bone marrow. It mainly affects people over the age of 50. This article discusses the symptoms and management of the syndrome.

OEDEMA

This article outlines the mechanisms of oedema and possible causes.

OSTEOARTHRITIS

Osteoarthritis is a problem with aging and is more common among women. This article discusses the symptoms and treatment of the condition.

OSTEOPOROSIS

Osteoporosis is a common problem for women following menopause, but it can also affect men. This article discusses the symptoms and treatment of the condition.

PARKINSON'S DISEASE
Parkinson's disease is a movement disorder which is more common in older people. This article looks at the symptoms and treatment of the condition.

PNEUMOCOCCAL INFECTION AND VACCINATION
This article outlines the people who may benefit from vaccination against this common and potentially serious infection.

PNEUMONIA

Pneumonia is still a serious illness despite the widespread use of antibiotics. This article outlines the different types of pneumonia, the symptoms, and how it is treated.

POLYMYALGIA RHEUMATICA
Polymyalgia mainly affects older people. This article looks at the symptoms and treatment of the condition.

POSTHERPETIC NEURALGIA
This is a chronic pain syndrome which is difficult to treat. This article provides an in depth overview of the role of shingles and pain relief strategies.

QUININE SULPHATE

This medicine is used to treat night cramps, malaria and other infective species. This article profiles the drug and its side effects.

RESTLESS LEGS SYNDROME
This article provides an overview of the syndrome, possible causes, and what treatment is currently available.

SECONDARY PREVENTION AFTER A HEART ATTACK
Lifestyle, dietary changes, and medication are often necessary after a heart attack. This article provides an in depth overview of what measures can be taken to prevent another coronary event.

SHINGLES

Shingles is a painful condition which mainly affects older people. This article outlines the treatment of the illness and its relationship to the chickenpox virus.

STRESS MANAGEMENT IN PARKINSON'S DISEASE
Effective stress management can help to reduce the effects of Parkinson's disease in some cases. This article looks at the role stress plays in the disease and other factors which can help limit progression of the condition.

TINNITUS

Tinnitus is an aggravating problem which is often associated with some form of hearing loss. This article discusses some of the causes and possible treatments that may help.

URINARY INCONTINENCE
Urinary incontinence is a common condition, mainly affecting older people. This article details the different forms of incontinence and the treatment options.

VENOUS LEG ULCERS

Leg ulcers are a common problem with ageing and are often slow to heal. This article looks at why they occur and what can be done to help.