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The British Geriatrics Society Cardiovascular Section co-hosted a session with the British Society of Heart Failure at the recent British Cardiac Society Annual General Meeting at Manchester on the 3rd June 2008.

The session was entitled Cognitive Dysfunction in Heart Failure and the program director was Jackie Taylor, Consultant Geriatrician, Glasgow.

Duncan Forsyth (Cambridge) opened this joint session with a comprehensive discussion of the association between heart failure and cognitive dysfunction. His presentation was wide-ranging and filled with numerous take-home messages and I am sure there is now a high chance that “clock drawing” tests may be performed on cardiology wards throughout the country.

John Starr (Edinburgh) looked at the underlying mechanisms of cognitive dysfunction in heart failure, drawing on Norse mythology and educational achievement in early years. John was both entertaining and informative, drawing many questions from the audience. Jackie Taylor (Glasgow) dealt with the impact of cognitive dysfunction in heart failure, showing how these patients can be disadvantaged in heart failure chronic disease management programs and calling for more research in this area.

The joint session was very well attended, mainly by an audience with a cardiology background.

This is one of a number of joint educational events organised by the British Geriatrics Society Cardiovascular Section. Recently the Section co-hosted a highly successful conference with the British Cardiac Society, in collaboration with the British Association of Stroke Physicians planned for the coming year. The Section is always looking for new members. To be placed on our mailing list, you should follow the link on the BGS website.

The British Society for Heart Failure is affiliated to the British Cardiac Society. It has a multi-disciplinary membership of over 600, including cardiologists, GPs, nurses – but only a small number of geriatricians. There is an active education program including an Annual General Meeting every November in London. There are also regular educational newsletters.

I would recommend membership, which is £30.00 per year, to any geriatrician who manages heart failure patients.

For more information go to www.bsh.org.uk.

J Baxter
Consultant Physician
Committee Member of the BGS Cardiology Section

BGS Newsletter, Aug 2008
Issue 17 ISSN 1748-6343 17