No old man ever forgot where he buried his treasure: concepts of cognitive impairment in old age circa 1700

Cognitive impairment in old age is one of the most important topics in modern geriatrics. This article discusses the historical dimensions of this phenomenon. To this end, a number of primary sources ranging from antiquity to the modern era are evaluated. Although a physiology and pathology of old age were conceptualized in Greco-Roman times, cognitive impairment in old age remained a marginal issue until the 17th century. Alternatively, after 1500, medicine boasted detailed theories on the physiology and pathology of old age. There are several possible explanations for this unusual situation. Underlying conflict between idealistic and materialistic views of man played a decisive role, for these concepts differed considerably regarding the intellectual and mental functioning of the soul as well as the effects of the passage of time. After Cartesianism and Iatromechanism had pushed these traditional boundaries back, the problem of cognitive impairment in old age was increasingly regarded as a physical illness and began to receive more attention. Just as its philosophical and theological context shaped early modern medicine, contemporary nonmedical disciplines such as genetics, (neuro-)biology, and the information sciences influence modern research.     

Looks and old age

In geriatric examinations, the old patients' looks should be observed. Based on the observation of 100 old subjects (aged 65 to 92), the author classifies the old people into 4 categories of looks. 1. Cheerful-eyed 2. Sad-eyed 3. People with fixed (lifeless) gaze 4. Wicked (aggressive) looking people. Category I can be treated easily; category 2 will co-operate in anti-depression therapy; category 3 exhibits mainly Parkinson's disease, in need of anti-sclerotic treatment. In the case of people with fixed gaze, the side-effects of drugs should also be suspected. Subjects in category 4 are difficult to treat. They do not co-operate with the physician. The administration of psychopharmacas, sedation and anti-sclerotic treatment are recommended.     

Review series: old age: pneumonia in old age

At the end of the 19th century William Osler noted key differences in the presentation of pneumonia in the elderly. His observational perspicuity has withstood the passage of time. The following article pays deference to this Canadian physician, summarizing not only differences in clinical presentation but also including an update on epidemiology, aetiology and management.     

吉西他滨和长春瑞滨对比治疗老年晚期非小细胞肺癌临床研究

目的对比观察长春瑞滨及吉西他滨在晚期老年非小细胞肺癌临床疗效及毒性反应。方法79例晚期老年非小细胞肺癌随机分为两组,长春瑞滨组39例,吉西他滨40例。结果所有被研究对象的症状均有不同程度的改善。长春瑞滨组有效率为36．84％,吉西他滨组有效率38．46％,两组间差异无显著性（P〉0．05）,中位生存期（MST）,吉西他滨组为9．6个月,长春瑞滨组为9．2个月。疾病缓解时间（DRT）,吉西他滨组为4．3个月,长春瑞滨组为4．0个月,两组间差异无显著性。毒性反应：长春瑞滨组白细胞下降Ⅲ-Ⅳ度15．38％,吉西他滨组白细胞下降Ⅲ-Ⅳ度占15％,但吉西他滨组血小板Ⅲ-Ⅳ度下降有6例,占15％,明显高于长春瑞滨组（P〈0．05）。长春瑞滨组发生静脉炎10例,占25．64％,明显高于吉西他滨组（P〈0．05）。结论吉西他滨与长春瑞滨对晚期老年非小细胞肺癌的近期临床疗效相近,中位生存期及中位缓解期均相似,毒性反应总的较轻。吉西他滨单药或长春瑞滨单药方案均可作为治疗晚期老年非小细胞肺癌的一种安全、有效的化疗方案。     

Legacy of Avicenna and evidence-based medicine

Although the term 'evidence-based medicine' (EBM) is of recent origin, its roots are generally agreed to lie in earlier times. Several writers have suggested that the 11th century CE physician and philosopher Avicenna (Ibn Sina) formulated an approach to EBM that broadly resembles modern-day principles and practice. The aim of this paper is to explore the origins and influence of Avicenna's version of EBM. A survey of the literature suggests that two influences on Avicenna's thought were crucial: the doctrine of Ijma; and Stoic logic, perhaps transmitted via the writings of Galen. In turn, Avicenna is known to have been a major influence on both medical practice and the development of logic in medieval Europe. Through this route, Avicennian logic (notably its inductive aspect) inspired the new style of thought associated with the scientific revolution, which later came to be reflected in 'scientific medicine', and may therefore have been an indirect source of EBM today.     

Resources in old age

General results of the psychological research on aging lead to the hypothesis that demands during the life cycle are accomplished the better, the more general and the more specific resources the individual disposes of. The analysis of four surveys on elder people shows that health, income, social integration, knowledge about aging, plans for retirement, good ecological conditions, life satisfaction, and a low age seem to be general resources. In addition there are some specific resources. The relevance and the necessary differentiation of the resource-perspective in gerontology are discussed.