CONTENTS The Guest Editors vii Preface viii Introduction ix 1. The epidemiological link between ageing and respiratory diseases 1 G. Viegi, S. Maio, M. Simoni, S. Baldacci, I. Annesi-Maesano 2. Respiratory function standards in the elderly 18 R. Pistelli, M. Andreani, F. Baldari, S. Sammarro 3. Spirometry in old age: feasibility and interpretation 25 P. Enright, S. Lehmann 4. Multidimensional assessment and treatment of the elderly with COPD 35 R. Antonelli Incalzi, C. Pedone, M. Pahor 5. Asthma in the elderly 56 V. Bellia, N. Scichilone, S. Battaglia 6. Hidden realities of COPD among the very old 77 D.B. Coultas, K. Davis 7. COPD exacerbations in old age: how to prevent, detect and treat 90 M. Miravitlles 8. Community-acquired pneumonia in the elderly 111 V. Kaplan, S. Yende, D.C. Angus 9. Aspiration and long-term care as risk factors for pneumonia in elderly 133 patients M. Kikawada 10. Diseases associated with restrictive lung function impairment 142 R.C. Stansbury, D.M. Mannino 11. Interstitial lung disease in elderly subjects 150 M. Selman, P. Spagnolo, L. Richeldi 12. Diagnosing pulmonary embolism in elderly patients: a difficult challenge 163 M. Righini, H. Bounameaux 13. Sleep-disordered breathing in the elderly 179 M.R. Bonsignore, W. McNicholas The European Respiratory Monograph Number 43 March 2009 Contents MON 43.qxd 24/03/2009 14:09 Page 1