This is the last issue this year, and it was a successful year for the journal.

During this year the Middle East Network on Ageing Research, MENAR, was established. The MENAR mini website is hosted on the journal website.

The aim of the MENAR is to develop Geriatrics and Gerontology Research in theregion, in addition to establishing links with a number of international organizations dealing with elderly issues. MENAR assisted the International Network for the Prevention of Elder Abuse in their World View Environmental Scan of Elder Abuse by coordinating the responses of the different countries from the Middle East

In this issue Mmohammadi et al reviewed the Self-efficacy and Caregiver Strain in Alzheimer's Caregivers. A convenience sample of 81 caregivers was surveyed. The findings implicate the need for further investigation and development of supportive relevant caregiver intervention strategies.

Azimian et al reviewed epilepsy in the elderly. In his review of aged people he stressed that epilepsy is very common in this age group, where the incidence of epilepsy in the elderly (over 80 years old) is 140 in 100000. Therefore diagnosis of this disease and appropriate treatment needs special consideration.

A study from Pakistan looked at the causes of initiation and promotion of cannabis smoking among local transport drivers of Peshawar. The study was a descriptive observational study using a questionnaire. The authors concluded cannabis smoking is common in local older transport drivers. The major causes that are involved in the initiation and progression of cannabis smoking are; driving in young age, poverty, lack of education, easy availability of cannabis, inspiration from colleagues and smoker parents.

A study from Iran reports on Health promotion behaviors among elderly. A total of 410 community residents who were over 60 years old and cognitively intact were selected. There were statistically significant differences in the mean score of Health promotion behaviors with regard to gender, age group, and education, economic status, perceived health status to the peer group of elderly, living arrangements, and number of chronic diseases.

Dr Kavari S et al reviewed the measures to prevent complications from bed ridden elderly. He studied preventive strategies in different hospitals. He concluded that in most of the hospitals studied, adequate preventive strategies are not implemented

Neisani L et al studied the Effect of vaginal weight cones on stress incontinence. The author outlined that urinary stress incontinence is the most common female urinary incontinence especially in the elderly. The aim of the study is to determine the effect of cone therapy on urinary stress incontinence. The study involved 60 incontinent women who were selected consecutively. The author concluded that Cone therapy is an effective method for urinary stress incontinence. In our opinion while cone therapy cure rates are (slightly) higher than cure rates from pelvic floor exercises, some women would find cone therapy unacceptable.