October

The finding of acid-fast bacilli in a sputum specimen rightly raises concern for pulmonary tuberculosis. The reality is that most positive smears will grow atypical or nontuberculous mycobacteria (NTM), ubiquitous environmental organisms that are relatively reluctant pathogens. The original classifications by Runion depended on growth rate, pigment formation, and reaction to exposure to light. Over 125 species have been described. 

An estimated half a million Canadians are currently suffering from dementia and this number is expected to double within the next 15 years.[1] Currently, 70000 patients with dementia are living in British Columbia.[2] As the population ages, the need for accurate diagnosis and effective treatment of patients with dementia will increase.

In 2006, 13.7% of Canadians and 14.6% of British Columbians were over the age of 65 years.[1] Baby boomers will soon become seniors, and the aging of the Canadian population will accelerate.[2] The medical and social needs of older adults present a unique challenge to health care pro­viders. For example, the prevalence of dementia is increasing, and issues such as abuse and neglect of the elderly are receiving much-needed attention.[2-5]

Delirium is a psychiatric and medical emergency with rates as high as 50% in older hospitalized patients.[1] A substantial number of patients are delirious upon admission or later develop delirium during the course of hospitalization. 

Current estimates indicate that the prevalence of dementia will more than double over the next 30 years. By 2030, there will be more than 1 million Canadians with dementia. The majority of individuals with dementia will have Alzheimer disease (AD),[1] a situation requiring physicians to understand the use of cholinesterase inhibitors for treatment of symptoms.