Thermal Physics and Glaucoma II: Preliminary Evidences for a Thermophysical Design of a Possible Visible-Light-Photons Therapy

Recently, a non-equilibrium thermodynamic approach has been developed in order to model the fundamental role of the membrane electric potential in the cell behaviour. A related new viewpoint is introduced, with a design of a photobiomodulation treatment in order to restore part of the visual field. Here, a first step in experimental evidence of the validity of the thermodynamic approach is developed. This result represents the starting point for future experimental improvements for light stimulation in order to improve the quality of life of the patients. The future possible therapy will be in addition to the pharmacological treatments.

Download Full-text

Managing LUTS in primary care: Qualitative study of GPs’ and patients’ experiences

British Journal of General Practice ◽

10.3399/bjgp.2020.1043 ◽

2021 ◽

pp. BJGP.2020.1043

Author(s):

Sarah Milosevic ◽

Natalie Joseph-Williams ◽

Bethan Pell ◽

Elizabeth Cain ◽

Robyn Hackett ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Quality Of Life ◽

Primary Care ◽

Pharmacological Treatments ◽

Telephone Interviews ◽

Urinary Tract Symptoms ◽

Framework Approach ◽

Bladder Symptoms ◽

Male Patients

Background: Lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) are common in older men and impact considerably on their quality of life. Management can be complex, and although most LUTS could be treated effectively in primary care, referrals to urology outpatients are increasing. The experiences of General Practitioners (GPs) and patients relating to the management of LUTS have not yet been fully explored. Aim: To explore GPs’ experiences of managing LUTS, together with patients’ experiences of and preferences for treatment in primary care. Design and setting: Qualitative telephone interviews with GPs and male patients presenting to primary care with bothersome LUTS. Method: Eleven GPs and 25 male patients were purposively sampled from 20 GP practices in 3 UK regions. Interviews were conducted between May 2018 and January 2019 and analysed using a framework approach. Results: Difficulty establishing causes and differentiating between prostate and bladder symptoms were key challenges to the diagnosis of LUTS in primary care, making treatment often a process of trial and error. Pharmacological treatments were commonly ineffective and often caused side-effects. Despite this, patients were generally satisfied with GP consultations and expressed a preference for treatment in primary care. Conclusion: Managing LUTS in primary care is a more accessible option for patients. Given the challenges of LUTS diagnosis, an effective diagnostic tool for use by GPs would be beneficial. Ensuring bothersome LUTS are not dismissed as a normal part of ageing is essential in improving patients’ quality of life. Greater exploration of the role of non-pharmacological treatments is needed.

Download Full-text

Non-pharmacological approaches to dementia: An overview of foundations & considerations

Music and Medicine ◽

10.47513/mmd.v9i4.520 ◽

2017 ◽

Vol 9 (4) ◽

pp. 254

Author(s):

Linda Carozza ◽

Lisa-Marie Serrone ◽

Lara Sugatan

Keyword(s):

Quality Of Life ◽

Cost Effective ◽

Yield Potential ◽

Pharmacological Treatments ◽

Dance Movement ◽

Medical Interventions ◽

Progressive Degeneration ◽

Technological Interventions

Dementia is a syndrome characterized by the progressive degeneration of one's cognitive function. The syndrome inflicts one in every nine individuals 65 and older; and 200,000 individuals under the age of 65. Currently, no cure exists; thus, finding the highest quality treatment to reduce the symptoms of the disease must become priority. Maintaining or increasing one’s quality of life is the utmost goal of any therapy for individuals with dementia. Currently, non-pharmacological approaches for suppressing concomitant symptoms of the disease have become highly debated and researched for their usefulness and for their ability to achieve this goal. Several therapeutic methods that can be considered non-pharmacological - music therapy, narrative telling , poetry, art therapy, technological interventions, and exercise and dance movement programs. A literature review was completed in order to determine the role of theseapproaches on dementia. Findings indicate that there is a small effect on cognition during these therapies presently, but there is still insufficient research in the area to conclude a sufficient difference. Non-pharmacological treatments yield potential quality of life benefits while additionally being cost-effective compared to medical interventions. Due its prevalence, further research on this topic is warranted and necessary.

Download Full-text