Progression of cognitive impairment in stroke patients.

Objective: To examine the progression of neuropsychological deficits in stroke patients with and without cognitive impairment.

Methods: The authors assessed the Sydney Stroke Study cohort 1 year after index assessment with detailed neuropsychological and medical-psychiatric assessments. The neuropsychological tests were classified into cognitive domains, and composite z-scores adjusted for age and education.

Long-term outcome of late-onset schizophrenia: 5-year follow-up study.

Background: There is controversy about whether late-onset schizophrenia is a precursor of cognitive decline.

Aims: To examine the long-term outcome of a group of patients with late-onset schizophrenia.

Method: Patients with onset of DSM-III-R schizophrenia at age 50 years or over, but without dementia, and a healthy control group were assessed at baseline (n=27 and n=34, respectively), after 1 year and after 5 years (n=19 and n=24, respectively) on measures of psychopathology, cognition and general functioning, and compared on rates of decline and incidence of dementia.

Meta-analysis of psychosocial interventions for caregivers of people with dementia.

Objectives: To review published reports of interventions for caregivers (CGs) of persons with dementia, excluding respite care, and provide recommendations to clinicians.

Design: Meta-analytical review. Electronic databases and key articles were searched for controlled trials, preferably randomized, published in English from 1985 to 2001 inclusive.

Comorbidity of common mental disorders and alcohol or other substance misuse in Australian general practice.

Objective: To determine in patients attending general practice 1) the extent of comorbidity of mental disorders and alcohol or other substance misuse, and consequent disability; and 2) GPs' diagnosis and management of patients with comorbidity.

Design And Setting: Cross-sectional national audit of general practices throughout Australia in 1998-1999.

Participants: 46 515 ambulatory care patients attending 386 GPs.

Treatment of common mental disorders in Australian general practice.

Objective: To determine the rates and predictors of treatments for patients with common mental disorders in Australian general practice.

Design And Setting: Cross-sectional national audit of general practices throughout Australia in 1998-1999.

Participants: 46 515 ambulatory care patients attending 386 GPs.