Alzheimer and vascular neuropathological changes associated with different cognitive States in a non-demented sample.

The state between aging with no cognitive impairment and dementia has become a major focus for intervention. The neuropathological and neurobiological correlates of this intermediate state are therefore of considerable interest, particularly from population representative samples. Here we investigate the neuropathological profile associated with different cognitive ability levels measured using strata defined by Mini Mental State Examination (MMSE) scores.

Patients' descriptions of angina symptoms: a qualitative study of primary care patients.

Background: Initial diagnosis of angina in primary care is based on the history of symptoms as described by the patient in consultation with their GP. Deciphering and categorising often complex symptom narratives, therefore, represents an ongoing challenge in the early diagnosis of angina in primary care.

Aim: To explore how patients with a preexisting angina diagnosis describe their symptoms.

How effective are expert patient (lay led) education programmes for chronic disease?

Considerable hyperbole has surrounded the UK expert patient programme, and it has received considerable funding—but will its impact meet expectations?

How do clinical nurse specialists influence primary care management of asthma? A qualitative study.

Methods: We carried out a qualitative interview study alongside a randomised controlled trial which tested the effectiveness of asthma nurse specialists in east London. We carried out face-to-face interviews with five asthma nurse specialists, eight general practitioners (GPs) and six practice nurses, and also held a focus group session with six people who had attended hospital with acute asthma.

Results: Four factors were associated with effective specialist nurse liaison: (1) primary care practices which prioritised asthma care; (2) GPs who trusted practice nurses to manage chronic disease autonomously; (3) GPs who recognised specialist nurse expertise and acted on their advice; and (4) practices which had simple systems in place to deal with recommendations.

Specialist nurse intervention to reduce unscheduled asthma care in a deprived multiethnic area: the east London randomised controlled trial for high risk asthma (ELECTRA).

Objective: To determine whether asthma specialist nurses, using a liaison model of care, reduce unscheduled care in a deprived multiethnic area.

Design: Cluster randomised controlled trial.

Setting: 44 general practices in two boroughs in east London.