In response to the dramatic changes in geriatric medicine over the past five years, Merck has announced the publication of the new Third Edition of The Merck Manual of Geriatrics.

"Every physician needs to be well informed about all issues of aging," according to Mark H. Beers, MD, Editor-in-Chief of The Merck Manual of Geriatrics. "The Merck Manual of Geriatrics recognizes the information needs of physicians and specifically discusses the unique challenges of geriatric care."

The extensively revised book will cover new topics including chronic dizziness and postural instability, gait disorders, pharmacology and pharmacy, rehabilitation, dementia and Alzheimer's disease, geriatric interdisciplinary teams, managed care, and respiratory failure.

The world's most widely used geriatric reference book, The Merck Manual of Geriatrics incorporates an interdisciplinary focus with special information on nursing care, pharmacy issues, patient and family education, palliative care, and end-of-life care. The book's broad focus appeals to a variety of audiences who work with geriatric patients, including nurses, physical therapists, occupational therapists, social workers, home healthcare providers, and long-term care administrators.

Reviewed by more than 150 experts in all fields of medicine from the U.S. and around the world, The Merck Manual of Geriatrics, first published in 1990, provides useful, peer-reviewed information and upholds the century-long standard of excellence in medical information that has been set by all Merck manuals. Merck's family of medical references also includes The Merck Manual of Diagnosis and Therapy, The Merck Manual of Medical Information - Home Edition, The Merck Veterinary Manual, and The Merck Index. All references are published as a not-for-profit service to the scientific community by Merck & Co., Inc.