Depression and anxiety in a geriatric outpatients

One hundred patients aged above 65 years and attending the geriatric outpatient clinic of Alexandria University hospital for reasons other than psychiatric problems, were studied as regards depression and anxiety. Their mean age was 66.5 +/- 8.84. They were 53 females and 47 males. The mean depression score was 67.58 +/- 8.02 and that for anxiety was 31.74 +/- 5.83. A significant positive correlation was found between anxiety and depression scores [r=7.58]. Severe or very severe anxiety was present in 86% of the sample. As regards depression, 89% of the patients were depressed. The highest mean scores were on somatic pre-occupation subscale, weight loss and fatiguability

Partial and selective exocrine pancreatic deficiency in the old

This is the first study on pancreatic exocrine functions in the stressing the value of studying function disturbances rather than morphological and pathological changes. Twenty three old males with ages ranging between 60 and 72 years are included. The intravenous secretin test was chosen because of its accuracy and the availability of normal figures for comparison. The results show a redaction in the mean volume and a selective enzymatic reduction for amylase and trypsin activities. The mean lipase activity was normal. This reduction in volume, amylase and tryptic activity can be attributed to the ageing process itself, the high incidence of chronic fibrosing pancreatitis in the old, and a possible impairment of blood supply. Supplementary pancreatic enzyme therapy may be needed for some of these old individuals to prevent clinical or sub-clinical pancreatic deficiency. Twenty three aged males ranging between 60 and 72 years were subjected to a study of their exocrine pancreatic functions. The intravenous secretin test was chosen for obvious reasons. The results show a reduction of the mean volume' to one third the normal mean for young adults, a selective enzyme reduction in amylase and trypsin activities to two thirds of the normal. The mean lipase activity was normal. This reduced volume and enzymatic production could be attributed to the ageing process itself and the high incidence of chronic fibrosing pancreatitis favoured by a greater incidence of gall stones. A possible impairement of the vascular supply to the pancreas is intertained. These factors may play singly or in combination. Therapeutic supplimentation of pancreatic enzymes in the old is indicated to prevent clinical and sub-clinical deficiency manifestations, which may have a great bearing on the health and well being of the aged