This article discusses the impact of multiple sclerosis on people newly diagnosed and those living with this long-term condition. It highlights the role that primary care nurses can play in ensuring that people with the condition have the help and information they need to take charge of their own care.

In the second of two articles on palliative care for people with Parkinson’s disease, the authors consider other aspects of care relevant to this complex stage. They conclude that better understanding of its complexity, its innate variability and the roles extended team members can play help to improve the care given to patients.

In the first of two articles on palliative care for people with Parkinson’s disease, the authors revise the common features of the disease, its different stages and the nature of palliative care for people who suffer from it. Next month, they consider management of common problems in late-stage Parkinson’s and various ethical issues that nurses may encounter.

Parkinson’s disease affects one in every 100 people over the age of 60 and one in ten nursing home residents. This article explores common problems associated with the disease and implications for nurses working with patients who display symptoms.

Although epilepsy can occur at any age, almost a quarter of people affected are over 60 years old. It is important for nurses working with older people to understand the full implications of a diagnosis of epilepsy, which can have a devastating effect on quality of life.

Recent national policies have created new frameworks and guidance on the assessment and treatment of continence problems. This article offers an update on new policy initiatives relevant to nurses working with older people and discusses the implications for primary care.

Many older people experience some form of incontinence and, as a large proportion will respond well to treatment, the problem should not be ignored.

This article describes how the introduction of a nurse nutrition team has led to improved staff morale and communication, as well as increasing the number of appropriate referrals to the dietician.

It is often assumed that incontinence is an inevitability of older age and, therefore, wrongly accepted that nothing can be done about it. Current policy initiatives will ensure that continence is brought sharply into focus for practice nurses, district nurses and health visitors. This includes the recently published national continence guidance (Department of Health 2000) and the National Service Framework for Older People, which is expected this autumn.

The Department of Health, England, issued new guidance on continence services earlier this year. Sue Thomas examines the guidelines with a view to the future of continence care.