Search

The article focuses on the role of thiazide diuretics in the treatment for patients with hypertension. Skeptics argue that other antihypertensives are equal to thiazides. However, thiazides are the least expensive agents. This aspect of therapy supports thiazides as first-line pharmacotherapy. The JNC7 recommended starting with 2 agents for patients far from their blood pressure goal. Therefore, even if a thiazide is not the initial agent, it should be the second agent for most patients.

The article outlines the research conducted on the factors that contributes to the subjective memory complaints of elderly patients in the U.S. Studies show that depression, anxiety and dementia, female gender, lower education level and decreased physical activity are associated with memory loss of patients. Researchers discovered that as population ages, primary care physicians encounter significant number of patients with memory loss and dementia. According to the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force, there is insufficient evidence to evaluate such illness but identifying it promptly enables physicians to counsel patients and caregivers on the course of disease progression.

The article examines the efficacy of regular exercise in reducing the pain and stiffness of osteoarthritis. Results of a study show that regular exercise moderately reduces the pain of osteoarthritis but its efficacy in reducing stiffness is not yet proven. It is suggested that medical practitioners should have a regular communication with their patient about exercise preferences and concerns to assure its efficacy. Physicians may also refer patients to a physical therapist willing to assess them with the proper exercise they need and the factors they need to consider.