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In this CPD issue

363 Vol 51 No 5 SA Fam Pract 2009 As we move towards the end of 2009, this is the second to the last edition for the year. The CPD articles are diverse and cover interesting topics that I hope you will enjoy. The first article titled “Alzheimer’s disease in family practice” by OBW Greeff is a unique one as it deals with an important illness that affects the aged. It is estimated that 10-15% of those above 65 years suffer from some form of dementia and that senile dementia is more common in women than in men, especially in the less fertile women. The author indicates that the cause of dementia is still unclear but macroscopically the condition is associated with brain shrinkage. The microscopic picture is that of neuron loss in the hippocampus and basal forebrain. Interestingly Alzheimer’s disease can only be confirmed on cerebral histology during autopsy, as in the clinical setting its diagnosis remains difficult. Most of the special investigations mentioned in the article are not available at the primary care level hence a good neurological examination is essential. The management in patients with this disease is multi-faceted and the available drugs either control cholinergic deficiency, are anti-oxidants, or anti-amyloids. In conclusion, the author reminds the clinician to care for the caretakers who are usually emotionally drained. For more information on this condition, visit www.alzheimers.org.za.