Bipolar disorder: an uncommon illness? Recognizing and caring for the elderly person with bipolar disorder.

Bipolar disorder (BPD), an affective mood disorder formerly called manic-depressive illness, is a diagnosis rarely seen in elders. It has components of major depression and sometimes mania or hypomania. Many elders previously diagnosed with schizophrenia in their past are now found to have the elements of BPD.

Assessment of pain in the cognitively impaired older adult in long-term care.

This study's objectives were twofold: to identify pain assessment methods used by caregivers of cognitively impaired older adults in long-term care, and to identify medications ordered and administered to them. Over 60% of RNs, with fewer LPNs and CNAs, used formal pain assessment tools. Patient records identified that 77.