In episode 85, James and Mike delve into the studies, the scales and some of the treatments for Alzheimer's. We once again have geriatrician Laurie Mallery help us out.

In episode 84, James and Mike start to look at the difficult area of dementia from both the diagnosis and treatment perspective. Given that Mike and James often get confused during the podcasts and forget things, we've engaged an expert in this area, geriatrician Laurie Mallery.

In episode 83, Mike and James tackle two very different and difficult areas of controversy. Mike looks at the data surrounding the use of gabapentin and off-label uses including chronic pain, and James tackles the lack of data surrounding the use of bioidentical hormones. At the end of the podcast James develops breast tenderness and complains so much that Mike decides to take gabapentin for the pain associated with James’ complaining.

Show notes

1) Off-label trials of gabapentin

N Engl J Med 2009;361:1963-71

2) CIHR trials

CMAJ 2004;171:735-40

3) Gabapentin for pain

Therapeutics Initiative Letter 2009 (July – Dec)

4) Pregabalin

First CEDAC report

Final recommendation

5) Systematic review of bioidentical hormones

In episode 82, James and Mike discuss the latest results from the ACCORD trial. While the results really showed no difference between the groups, these results should make a difference in what you do. During much of the podcast, Mike does an unbelievable impersonation of a parrot but, we aren’t sure if anyone will notice that difference.

Show notes

1) ACCORD – glucose lowering

NEJM 208;358:2545-9

2) ACCORD – blood pressure lowering

NEJM 2010:10.1056/NEJMoa1001286

3) ACCORD – cholesterol lowering with fenofibrate

NEJM 2010:10.1056/NEJMoa1001282

3) FIELD – fenofibrate

Lancet 2005;366:1849-61

3) Studies, systematic reviews and meta-analyses of fibrates

Am Heart J 2007;154:943-53

Am J Med 2009; 122: 962.e1-962.e8

J Am Coll Cardiol 2005;45:185–97

Arch Intern Med. 2005;165:725-730

Int J Cardiol 2009; doi:10.1016/j.ijcard.2008.11.211