The Prescription Dilemma – Navigating Polypharmacy in the Elderly

‘Medications? I have a lot, doctor.’ Puan Siti brings out a large transparent plastic bag, bigger than my face.  It is filled with different packets of medications. White pills, yellow pills, blue pills- of all different shapes and sizes.  One would think she was selling candy.  She points to me ‘This big yellow pill – … Read more

Unusual Presentation of Common Disease in Elderly

I found him unconscious.  I was called to see this 78-year-old man. He was diagnosed with dementia, but it did not hinder his daily activities prior. He was still able to walk, talk and even eat on his own. That day, his family found him unresponsive and unconscious. They called me, frantic and anxious. I … Read more

Help! I Can’t Swallow Properly

All you need to know about swallowing issues as you age, is how to catch signs early, and most importantly, what you can do about it.  Difficulty swallowing, otherwise known as dysphagia, is a disorder that affects 10-33% of the elderly population.  It stems from the Greek word dys (difficulty) and phagia (to eat).  Swallowing … Read more

Why You Need A Typhoid Vaccination

The Typhoid Endemic According to the Malaysian Society of Infectious Diseases and Chemotherapy, typhoid has become endemic. Typhoid fever is a recurrent water and foodborne disease in this country.  Studies have found that there are more incidence rates amongst the rural population than in urbanised areas. There are more reported typhoid cases in Kelantan and … Read more

All You Need to Know About Blood Screening

What Are Blood Tests?  The fear of needles is real. Just the mere thought of the thin, metallic object pricking into the skin can make our hairs stand on end.  Yet, it is one of the most useful and fundamental tools to assess one’s health. Let us dive a little deeper into blood testing.  What … Read more

What Is Dementia (Dementia 101)

I Keep Forgetting My Keys! “What is that unpleasant smell?” That is Mr Lee’s first thought upon entering his home after a long day at work. It only takes him a few seconds to realise it is coming from the kitchen.  “Is anyone home? There is something burning!” He shouts frantically. He rushes over to … Read more