Vertigo, dizziness, and imbalance rank amongst the most common presenting symptoms in neurology, ENT, geriatric medicine, and general practice. These symptoms can originate from many different organs and systems, such as the inner ear, general medical conditions, neurological and psychological disorders. The Oxford Textbook of Vertigo and Imbalance provides an up-to-date summary of the scientific basis, clinical diagnosis, and management of disorders leading to dizziness and poor balance. This textbook is conceptually divided into three sections, detailing the scientific basis, general clinical issues, and specific diseases diagnosed in clinical practice that are responsible for complaints of dizziness and imbalance. Individual chapters address benign paroxysmal positional vertigo, vestibular migraine, vestibular neuritis, stroke, and Meniere's disease. Additional chapters follow a syndrome-based approach and cover multiple conditions, including cerebellar disorders, bilateral vestibular failure and gait, and psychological disorders. The print edition is complemented by an online version, which allows access to the full content of the textbook, contains links from the references to primary research journal articles, allows full text searches, and provides access to figures and tables that can be downloaded to PowerPoint. It serves a useful clinical reference for neurologists, otorhinolaryngologists, audio-vestibular physicians, and senior trainees in those specialties.

What are the boundary zones between normal aging and Alzheimer's disease (AD)? Are many elderly people whom we regard as normal actually in the early stages of AD? Alzheimer's disease does not develop overnight; the early phases may last for years or even decades. Recently, clinical investigators have identified a transitional condition between normal aging and and very early Alzheimer's disease that they have called mild cognitive impairment, or MCI. This term typically refers to memory impairment beyond what one would expect in individuals of a given age whose other abilities to function in daily life are well preserved. Persons who meet the criteria for mild cognitive impairment have an increased risk of progressing to Alzheimer's disease in the near future. Though many questions about this condition and its underlying neuropathology remain open, full clinical trials are currently underway worldwide aimed at preventing the progression from MCI to Alzheimer's disease. This book addresses the spectrum of issues involved in mild cognitive impairment, and includes chapters on clinical studies, neuropsychology, neuroimaging, neuropathology, biological markers, diagnostic approaches, and treatment. It is intended for clinicians, researchers, and students interested in aging and cognition, among them neurologists, psychiatrists, geriatricians, clinical psychologists, and neuropsychologists.

A dramatic shift in the average age of the U.S. population and the increasing number of elderly Americans has introduced new and challenging healthcare dilemmas. This book addresses these issues with contributed chapters by the leading authorities in the field of behavioral medicine. It deals with health and healthcare needs of the elderly by considering basic changes that result from aging and some of the more specific problems that accompany it.
Content highlights include a review of the basic tenets of genetics and molecular biology including some of the methods of looking at heritable differences in health and well-being. Quality of life concerns are addressed, including the differences between men and women, as well as other gender issues. Several chapters deal with the effects of aging on immunity. The latter part of the book emphasizes the psychosocial implications of aging on cardiovascular disease. Chronic illness among the elderly is also addressed.

This volume dealing with the male body in the iconography of fascism reflects an ambition rather than an achievement. The supremacy of the global fascist superman never became a reality but was certainly an intention. This work explores the use of the image of the male body for this purpose in European, American and Asian fascism of varying degrees and various interpretations, and the differences and similarities involved. Among the similarities isthe fact that sport in all the cases in this volume was at the centre of the induction of the male body (and mind) into martial self-sacrifice. Sport was an important part of fascist socialization. The reasons are not hard to find. Sport develops muscle and muscle is equated with power - literally and metaphorically. War, the essence of fascism, demands physical fitness and sport helps promote this fitness. Competitive sport can help develop attitudes of aggression and aggression is essential in war.

This volume dealing with the male body in the iconography of fascism reflects an ambition rather than an achievement. The supremacy of the global fascist superman never became a reality but was certainly an intention. This work explores the use of the image of the male body for this purpose in European, American and Asian fascism of varying degrees and various interpretations, and the differences and similarities involved. Among the similarities isthe fact that sport in all the cases in this volume was at the centre of the induction of the male body (and mind) into martial self-sacrifice. Sport was an important part of fascist socialization. The reasons are not hard to find. Sport develops muscle and muscle is equated with power - literally and metaphorically. War, the essence of fascism, demands physical fitness and sport helps promote this fitness. Competitive sport can help develop attitudes of aggression and aggression is essential in war.

This major work with an internationally famous list of contributors deals with the ways in which needs assessment, service, evaluation, and public health and social policy may improve the care of elderly people in all societies. It discusses the methodology of epidemiological studies, risk factors, and the most common problems and diseases in old age.

This volume focuses on understanding the impact of age-related decline in cognitive abilities on medical decisions and compliance with medical instructions. It examines how medical information and the medical environment can be restructured to accommodate the decreased cognitive function associated with aging. Although the issues discussed in this book are of critical importance in providing effective health care, they have been largely neglected in the national debate over provision of health care for the increasingly aging population. It is essential that we begin to understand how to present information so that informed choices are made and patients comprehend well enough that they can follow their treatment regimens and understand the importance of those regimens.
Divided into four major sections, this volume addresses the following issues:
* the implications of cognitive aging for medical information processing;
* aging and medical decision making;
* aging and medication adherence; and
* human factors design for medical devices and instructions.

Gerontological research is currently of great interest due to ever-increasing longevity of human life spans. Created to provide researchers and scientists with the technical methods essential to their work, Methods in Aging Research is a practical bench-top guide for everyone who plans, designs, or conducts research in aging. It highlights experimental procedures that are key to the investigation of the biological aging phenomena.
Methods in Aging Research is a state-of-the-art reference that offers the most direct and clear cut descriptions available of methodological procedures used in aging research. Methods and protocols are critically evaluated and the advantages and disadvantages of each technique are explored. More than 70 expert contributors from around the world share their combined knowledge on a broad range of topics essential to everyone involved in cultivating and developing the gerontological research frontier.

Medication costs and common drug-related problems, such as misapplication of therapy, medication misuse, and adverse effects, can often be avoided or reduced. Geriatric Drug Therapy Interventions will help you get better outcomes with your patients as it points out pitfalls to avoid and provides you with logical principles for administering drug therapy. Offering guidelines, advice, and gentle reminders, this book shows you the importance of properly documenting patient problems and of considering the entire medical history of your patients. It also helps you perform fall and psychoactive drug risk assessments and address under-recognized and undertreated problems such as malnutrition, depression, sensory deficits, anemia, osteoporosis, and pressure ulcers.As Geriatric Drug Therapy Interventions clarifies, increased consultant pharmacist involvement in comprehensive pharmaceutical services results in the reduction of drug-related problems and medication-associated costs with long-term care patients. Using this book's helpful and substantive interventions, you can improve clinical, economic, and humanistic outcomes in your practice. For this purpose, Geriatric Drug Therapy Interventions discusses: a study designed to teach pharmacy students to identify, document, solve, and prevent medication-related problems providing patient-focused care and assuming responsibility for patient outcomes reimbursing pharmacists for performing cognitive service and cost-savings activities how the prevalence of drug-related problems that influence the need for hospital and nursing home admissions increases with age reasons for patient noncompliance NSAID-associated gastritis, gastrointestinal bleeding, drug-induced delirium, incontinence, and constipation why the advent of managed care does not bode well for the overall health outcomes of the elderlyPharmacists, physicians, and other health care providers can't control all aspects of drug use, but there are many practical steps you can take to help your patients use their prescriptions appropriately. Geriatric Drug Therapy Interventions will help you monitor the efficacy of drug therapy, guide patients who are exasperated with being poked, prodded, and barraged with medications, and work together to develop therapy patterns and schedules that are effective and comfortable.

This book highlights international efforts to better understand the role of individual differences in healthy aging by exploring new directions, methods, and questions within the field. The book considers how to measure personality and personality change during adulthood, the associations between personality and healthy aging outcomes over time, and the role of personality in building interventions to promote healthy aging. The first section considers the value of personality constructs for healthy aging outcomes beyond the broad Big Five personality dimensions. It discusses the role of attachment, purpose, and affect, and also touches on the issue of psychopathology. The second section presents innovative assessment methods, research designs beyond classical longitudinal approaches, as well as sophisticated and integrative techniques for analyzing personality change processes. The third section raises new important questions, such as how interventionists from non-personality domains can incorporate personality processes in their intervention programs. It also discusses how different domains of individual functioning may interact in concert to predict healthy aging outcomes, as well as how more integrative lifespan models of healthy aging may advance research on personality and healthy aging. Overall, this book will spark interest and chart new directions for researchers, practitioners and interventionists in healthy aging, gerontology and applied fields.

Part of a series of pocket-sized books that set out to provide easily assimilable information on diagnosis and treatment of common medical conditions. This volume looks at depression in the elderly, covering such topics as aetiology and risk factors, clinical presentation and prognosis.

The financial burden and the level of specialized care required to look after older adults with dementia has reached the point of a public health crisis. Older adults diagnosed and living with the disorder reached 35.6 million worldwide in 2010 and is expected to increase to 135.5 million in 2050, with costs soaring to $1.1 trillion. In the face of the increasing burden this disorder poses to health care systems and the management of this patient population, intelligent assistive technologies (IATs) represent a remarkable and promising strategy to meet the need of persons suffering from dementia. These technologies aim at helping individuals compensate for specific physical and cognitive deficits, and maintain a higher level of independence at home and in everyday activities. However, the rapid development and widespread implementation of these technologies are not without associated challenges at multiple levels. An international and multidisciplinary group of authors provide future-oriented and in-depth analysis of IATs. Part I delineates the current landscape of intelligent assistive technologies for dementia care and age-related disability from a global perspective, while the contributions in Part II analyze and address the major psycho-social implications linked to the development and clinical use of IATs. In the last section, essays examine the major ethical, social and regulatory issues associated with the use of IATs in dementia care. This volume provides an authoritative and comprehensive overview of how IATs are reshaping dementia care.

This classic text-more relevant than ever as our population rapidly ages-delivers comprehensive and up-to-date knowledge about aging services in the U.S. Written for both students and practitioners of gerontology, along with all professionals involved in the well-being of older adults, this highly accessible book provides a current and detailed description and analysis of local to global services for older people with or without cognitive, physical, or social needs. The Ninth Edition is updated to reflect critical changes to legislation, health care, and recent trends. It focuses on the strengths and diversity of older adults and the role our multilayered aging networks play in advocacy, community independence, and engagement. Commentary and critical thinking challenges from policymakers, program directors, and educators facilitate high-level reasoning and independent analysis of aging networks past, present, and future. The ninth edition also offers enhanced resources including a Test Bank, Instructor's Manual, PowerPoint slides, and links to video. Additionally, the print version of the book includes free, searchable, digital access to the entire contents. New to the Ninth Edition: Fully updated to reflect historical context, recent trends and challenges, and future considerations Addresses the effects of our current political and ideological landscape on aging networks including a Call to Action Examines the current status of Medicare and Medicaid, Meals-on-Wheels, and the impact of the ACA Discusses long-term services and supports, disaster preparedness and climate change, caregiving as a human right, and LBGTQ services and support Presents new case studies providing evidence-based best-practice initiatives and new innovations Delivers enhanced instructor resources including Test Bank, Instructor's Manual, Power Point slides, and video links Includes eBook format Key Features: Focuses on the strengths of older adults and the role our multilayered aging networks play in advocacy, community independence, and engagement Provides commentary and critical thinking challenges from policy-makers, program directors, and educators to facilitate high-level analysis Addresses changing demographics and future challenges Offers "Voices from the Field" boxes and "Critical Thinking" topics and questions to encourage reflection and discussion

This book provides a comprehensive overview of a growing phenomenon in migration: retired Americans moving to Latin America. Through in-depth profiles of two of the most popular destinations - Cuenca, Ecuador and San Miguel de Allende, Mexico, the book provides a unique commentary on the social forces shaping this new diaspora and its impact on the settings to which retirees relocate. Sections of the book address the lives and activities of retirees themselves; their impact on real estate, business development, and gentrification within historic cities; the availability and access to medical and long-term care services; and the role of governmental policies in attracting immigrant retirees and shaping their societal impact. Concluding sections provide guidance for potential retirees and for cities and countries interested in attracting these new immigrants while minimizing adverse impact on local culture and quality of life. Carefully researched and extensively illustrated with photographs, maps, figures, and tables, the book serves as an important new resource for scientists and policy makers, as well as for baby boomers who have retired abroad or are considering doing so.

This book aims to clarify the potential association between frailty and cardiovascular disease in older people. Covering the biological as well as the clinical point of view, it allows researchers and clinicians to discover the significance of this topic. The contributions cover the most important aspects in the potential relationship between frailty and cardiovascular disease. In particular, authoritative authors in this field have clarified the definition and the epidemiology of frailty and cardiovascular disease in older people. A large part of the volume is dedicated to the biological mechanisms of frailty and cardiovascular disease, trying to find those in common between these two conditions. Since this book is dedicated to both researchers and clinicians, we have proposed some chapters to the importance of comprehensive geriatric assessment in the evaluation and treatment of cardiovascular diseases and frailty. In this regard, the importance of geriatric evaluation in cardiac surgery for older people is well covered. Finally, the importance of cardiac rehabilitation and physical exercise is summarized, being, actually, the most important treatments for both frailty and cardiovascular disease. Written by many well-known and widely published experts in their respective fields, this book will appeal to a wide readership such as researchers in the field and clinicians, especially suited in geriatric medicine and cardiology who, every day, face frail older patients.

Forensic pathologists and clinicians are increasingly faced with challenges when it comes to geriatric cases, due to an aging population and increased comorbidities in the elderly. This text provides an up-to-date guide to all facets of geriatric forensic pathology, with contributions from experts from a variety of disciplines. Packed with color illustrations and case examples, chapters cover inflicted, self-inflicted, and accidental trauma, as well as natural conditions leading to unexpected death. In addition, specific chapters cover a wide range of difficult and topical areas, from elder abuse, dementias, and nutrition to pharmacology and toxicology issues, long-term care facilities, and scene investigation. Topics such as euthanasia are also explored to provide the reader with a rich, contemporary understanding of medicolegal issues. This is an invaluable resource not only for pathologists, but also for medical practitioners and lawyers dealing with geriatric cases. The book comes packaged with online access to the text and high-resolution images.

In its brief but vigorous history, gerontology has spawned a broadening range of specializations. One of the newest of such specializations is narrative gerontology, so named for its emphasis on the biographical, or inside, dimensions of the experience of aging.
Telling stories about our world, our relationships, and ourselves is fundamental to how we make meaning. Everything from our history to our religion and our memories to our emotions is linked to the tales we tell ourselves, and others, about where we have come from and where we are going. They are central to who we are.
The biographical side of human life is every bit as critical to fathom as the biological side, if we seek a more balanced, positive, and optimistic perspective on what aging is about; if we would honor the dignity and complexity, the humanity and uniqueness of the lives of older persons, no matter what their health or economic standing. In this respect, a narrative approach is particularly suited to the exploration of such topics as meaning, spirituality, and wisdom, and the connections they share.
This volume reflects a selection of new directions and insights, and constitutes a general broadening and deepening of narrative gerontology, exploring its implications for theory and research in the field of aging, and for the quality of life of older adults themselves. Such deepening indicates a greater refinement of thought, method, and intervention. The evolution of narrative gerontology is also evidenced by a significant increase in the number of faculty and graduate students engaged in research in this area, as well as by increasing collaboration among researchers, practitioners, and administrators in applying narrative insights to contexts such as long term care - indeed, healthcare in general. These initiatives have given rise to the phrase, "narrative care as core care."

What special skills and knowledge base do practitioners need to work in nursing homes? What ethical and legal issues do practitioners face in nursing homes? And how have reforms under the newly implemented 1987 OBRA legislature affected practice in nursing homes? With the rapid growth of nursing homes in the 1980s, questions such as these are now being raised by policymakers, administrators, practitioners, and others working in nursing homes. In this highly instructive volume, the authors examine these vital questions and explore such relevant issues as working with nursing home residents and their families, managing selected special populations, working with other members of the nursing home staff, legal and ethical issues, and the organizational and policy contexts that shape practice. In addition, the authors include structured learning tasks that can be used to guide the development of practice skills in supervised nursing home practicums and field settings. Professionals from a variety of fields including social work, nursing, geriatric mental health, medicine, and nursing home administration will find this book to be an invaluable resource in their own day to day work. "This book presents a useful and thorough introduction to the subject of case practice with older persons in nursing homes. While of interest to anyone who desires to work with older persons in nursing homes, this book will be particularly useful to students and professors in social work and gerontology courses. . . . Instructors will find that the chapters lend themselves effectively to course organization, and they will appreciate the model fieldwork assignments that are presented in the appendix." --Clinical Gerontologist "This book provides a detailed and practical introduction to the subject of geriatric case practice in nursing homes. To the authors' credit, the content reflects a sound psychosocial theoretical base consistent with social service and social work practice. Students, beginning case practitioners, and instructors will find this book to be a useful guide to geriatric case practice in nursing homes." --Clinical Gerontologist "Generally, the private nursing-home sector is poorly served with high quality literature specifically relating to this field; so, it is pleasing to find a book such as Geriatric Case Practice in Nursing Homes which is extremely well-written and fully referenced. . . . I definitely recommend [this book] to health-care staff from any profession who have contact with elderly people, particularly nursing and rest-home staff, hospital, community- and day-centre staff, and nursing-home inspectors." --Nursing Standard "Very useful as a textbook in schools of social work. . . . The text would be valuable to any professional neophyte in the nursing home industry who needs an overview of the field, its development and the policies that are meant to effect change in quality of care. A major strength of this text is found in the 26-page appendix which thoughtfully and in great detail provides outlines, including learning objectives, for implementing several model fieldwork assignments in nursing homes." --Priscilla Ebersole, Ph.D., R.N., F.A.A.N., Geriatric Nursing "It presents a great deal of informative material with clarity in a well-organizeed and useful manner. Students and others who work in nursing facilities will become well-acquainted with the dimensions and complexities of these institutions when they read this book." --Journal of Cross-Cultural Gerontology

Recent studies show that more people than ever before are reaching old age in better health and enjoying that health for a longer time. This Handbook outlines the latest discoveries in the study of aging from bio-medicine, psychology, and socio-demography. It treats the study of aging as a multidisciplinary scientific subject, since it requires the interplay of broad disciplines, while offering high motivation, positive attitudes, and behaviors for aging well, and lifestyle changes that will help people to stay healthier across life span and in old age. Written by leading scholars from various academic disciplines, the chapters delve into the most topical aspects of aging today - including biological mechanisms of aging, aging with health, active and productive aging, aging with satisfaction, aging with respect, and aging with dignity. Aimed at health professionals as well as general readers, this Cambridge Handbook offers a new, positive approach to later life.

"The first lesson is that success looks like whatever your patient describes it as ... Some want to be pain free, to breathe a little easier, to make it to their grand-daughter's wedding ... to be with their cats. Some want me to do everything I can to cure them, while others want to die soon." Geriatric care and the frailty of old age can sometimes be reduced to a pain score chart rather than an inevitability that needs to be approached with humanity and empathy. Dr Riaz Dharamshi combines his expertise knowledge as a nationally recognised geriatrician with the relatable, deeply empathetic stories of his patients in order to reframe the way we approach care for our elderly population. This empowering and socio-politically conscious book delves into theoretical discussions around death and old age, drawing light on how many issues arise from social and political factors that take root decades earlier. It presents practical details of an integrated model of care allowing for expert, personalised healthcare to be delivered within our communities and outside of the hospital. This is a book that encourages the question 'Who is the person to whom this is happening?' rather than just 'What is the medical problem?'. It is ultimately this approach that imbues meaning, purpose, and justice into the work of geriatric medicine and care.

Ageing is a complex, time-related biological phenomenon that is genetically determined and environmentally modulated. According to even the most pessimistic projections, average lifespan is expected to increase around the world during the next 20 years, significantly raising the number of aged individuals. But increasing life expectancy presents new problems, and industrialized countries are facing a pronounced increase in lifestyle diseases which constitute barriers to healthy ageing. Anti-Ageing Nutrients: Evidence-based Prevention of Age-Associated Diseases is written by a multi-disciplinary group of researchers, all interested in the nutritional modulation of ageing mechanisms. Structured in three parts, Part 1 looks at the cellular modifications that underlie senescence of cells and ageing of the organisms; the effects of energy restriction on cellular and molecular mechanisms and in the whole organism; and the epigenetic modifications associated with ageing. Part 2 includes chapters which discuss the nutritional modulation of age-associated pathologies and the functional decline of organs, with a focus on those primarily affected by chronological ageing. Part 3 summarises the knowledge presented in the previous chapters and considers the best diet pattern for the aged individuals. The book reflects the most recent advances in anti-ageing nutrition and will be a valuable resource for professionals, educators and students in the health, nutritional and food sciences.

This book presents a concise description and qualitative exploration of a new residential option for older adults: senior cohousing. It describes the practical, structural and communal aspects of senior cohousing and shares the lived experiences of actual residents. Pursuing an existential-phenomenological approach, the authors visited a selection of senior cohousing communities throughout the US and interviewed members to investigate their experiences in several regards: gathering together; developing the mission and architectural design; defining member expectations for the community; and engaging in cooperative self-management, consensus building, shared tasks and mutual activities as an ongoing way of life. In addition, the authors explored the benefits, challenges and surprises that community members have encountered along the way, and what these experiences have meant for their lives. Given its unique insights, the book offers a valuable resource for academics and all those working and interested in gerontology, sociology, psychology, nursing, public health, housing and the consumer sciences. It will also benefit active older adults who are considering new housing options.

The decline of infections, starvation, warfare, heart attack and stroke has allowed people to reach extreme old age but ushered in disability, dementia and degenerative disease, with profound consequences for the self and society. Dr Guy Brown explores these vital issues at various levels, from the cell, to the whole body, to society.

Medical practitioners receive little, if any, formal training in the prevention, assessment and management of pressure ulcers and other chronic wounds. Pressure Ulcers in the Aging Population: A Guide for Clinicians is a resource primarily aimed at physicians interested in the fundamentals of wound care. This book is written for geriatricians, internists, general practitioners, residents and fellows who treat older patients and unlike other texts on the market addresses the specific issues of wound prevention and managment in older individuals. Pressure Ulcers in the Aging Population: A Guide for Clinicians emphasizes prevention, proper documentation and the team care process which are often overlooked in standard texts. Chapters are written by experts in their fields and include such evolving topics as deep tissue injury and the newer support surface technologies.