Age and ageing
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Carbon monoxide poisoning represents a potentially preventable and reversible cause of mortality and morbidity if sources and cases can be identified. The elderly have been shown to be particularly at risk. Concerns continue to be raised about potential unrecognised cases of carbon monoxide poisoning. ⋯ In general carbon monoxide has no helpful unique clinical presentation and is known to mimic common illnesses as well as exacerbate established diseases. As a gas it is undetectable by the human senses and is potentially present in most households. This paper reviews the issues associated with carbon monoxide poisoning including pointers to early diagnosis and discussion of pathophysiology and management.
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Pain is an inherently subjective experience that is difficult to prove. In a cognitively impaired older person whose verbal fluency is declining, both the experience and expression of pain are altered. Assessment poses many difficulties. ⋯ References cited within these sources were also reviewed. Searches were limited to English language studies. The quality of relevant studies retrieved was assessed and information from relevant papers synthesised using narrative summary.
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to review the literature on the prevalence and effect on outcome of psychiatric illness in older people with hip fracture. ⋯ depression, delirium and dementia are common in older people with hip fracture. Further research is required to examine the effect on outcome of psychiatric illness, and the effect of psychiatric interventions in this setting.