The role of aged care in the practice of medicine is becoming more prominent with the increase in the proportion and absolute numbers of older people in our population. This is associated with an increase in diseases of advanced age — the neurodegenerative diseases, vascular diseases, and musculoskeletal disorders. Over the past five years significant advances have occurred in the management of these diseases and in the organisation of clinical services for older people.
The full article is accessible to AMA members and paid subscribers. Login to read more or purchase a subscription now.
Please note: institutional and Research4Life access to the MJA is now provided through Wiley Online Library.
- Rehabilitation and Aged Care Service, Hornsby Ku-ring-gai Hospital, Hornsby, NSW 2077.
- 1. Brodaty H, Ames D, Boundy K, et al. Pharmacological treatment of cognitive deficits in Alzheimer's disease. Med J Aust 2001; 175: 324-329.
- 2. Gillespie LD, Gillespie WJ, Robertson MC, et al. Interventions for preventing falls in elderly people (Cochrane review). In: The Cochrane Library. Issue 3, 2001. Oxford: Update Software.
- 3. Kannus P, Parkkari J, Niemi S, et al. Prevention of hip fracture in elderly people with use of a hip protector. N Engl J Med 2000; 343: 1506-1513.
- 4. Stroke Triallists Collaboration. Collaborative systematic review of the randomised trials of organised inpatient (stroke unit) care after stroke. BMJ 1997; 314: 1151-1159.
- 5. Counsell S, Holder C, Liebener L, et al. Effects of a multicomponent intervention on functional outcomes and process of care in hospitalised older patients: a randomised controlled trial of acute care for elders (ACE) in a community hospital. J Am Geriatr Soc 2000; 48: 1572-1581.