New studies on Alzheimer's, depression unveiled at geriatric psychiatry conference

The oldest and largest platform for the presentation of geriatric mental health research, the meeting features more than 40 sessions and some 120 scientific posters and papers scheduled for presentation. Entitled "Scientific Discovery in Geriatric Psychiatry: Responding to Clinical Challenges," the four-day program of scientific sessions, workshops, new research presentations and panel discussions allows more than 1100 attendees to explore trends and enhance their knowledge about this emerging field.

The number of Americans over 65 with mental disorders is expected to increase from four million in 1970 to 15 million in 2030.

The American Association for Geriatric Psychiatry (www.aagponline.org) is a national association representing and serving its members and the field of geriatric psychiatry. It is dedicated to promoting the mental health and well being of older people and improving the care of those with late-life mental disorders. AAGP's mission is to enhance the knowledge base and standard of practice in geriatric psychiatry through education and research and to advocate for meeting the mental health needs of older Americans.

Meeting highlights include:
Sunday, Feb. 24
8:00 AM -- 4:00 PM
New Caregiver Research: The Impact on the Health of the Geriatric Mentally Ill
Tom McRae, MD

1:00-4:00 pm
Translational Research: Opportunities for Drug Discovery in Alzheimer's disease
Barnett Meyers, MD

6:00-9:00 pm
Presidential Plenary
Gary Kennedy, MD (AAGP President-elect); Richard Nakamura, MD (Acting Director of NIMH)

Monday, Feb. 25
2:00 PM -- 3:30 PM
Prevention of Falls in the Older Patient
Helen K. Edelberg, MD

6:30 PM -- 9:00 PM
Science with a Human Face: Lessons from the Nun Study and Alzheimer's Research
David Snowdon, Ph.D.

Tuesday, Feb. 26
10:30 -- 12 Noon
Gender, Race and Depression
Carl I. Cohen, MD

Subsyndromal Depression: What Is It? What To Do About It?
Jeffrey M. Lyness, MD

3:00 PM -- 4:30 PM
Alternative Medicine Use Among Elderly Patients with Depression and Dementia
Helen C. Kales, MD

4:30 PM -- 6:30 PM
New Research Posters:
--Recognition and Management of Dementia as Documented in Primary Care
Dr. Stephanie Richards

--Designing a Brief Alzheimer Screen
Dr. J Ashford

--Alternative Medicine Use Among Elderly Patients with Depression and Dementia
Helen Kales, MD

--Costs of Comorbid Medical Conditions Are Increased in Alzheimer's disease in Medicare-Managed Care
Dr. Howard Fillit

--Family-Focused Treatments for Depression: Benefits for Older Patients and Family?
Dr. Lynn Martire

Wednesday, Feb. 27
1:00 PM -- 2:30 PM
Acute Stress Response: Psychological Impact of Trauma on Older Adults
Stephen J. Bartels, MD, MS; Gary J. Kennedy, MD