Lifelines

U.VA. INSTITUTE ON AGING HOSTED MAJOR PROFESSIONAL EDUCATION PROGRAM ON ALZHEIMER'S DISEASE ON JUNE 20 -- "COLLABORATING TO FIGHT ALZHEIMER'S DISEASE: INTEGRATED APPROACHES TO RESEARCH, TREATMENT AND CARE GIVING"

Cutting-edge research on Alzheimer's disease and related dementias was the focus of a state-wide conference held at the University of Virginia. Internationally-renowned speakers presented the latest information on causes, diagnosis and treatments to health care professionals. Each lecturer's expertise brought direct benefits to doctors, nurses, and others caring for patients impacted by this devastating illness.

Alzheimer's disease, according to many experts, is the healthcare crisis of the twenty-first century. More than five million Americans already have this fatal disease; a new case develops every seventy seconds. Providing state-of-the art knowledge to health care providers, patients and their families is crucial to early diagnosis and treatment.

The conference featured Dr. Steven T. DeKosky, the new Vice President and Dean of the U.Va. School of Medicine. Dr. DeKosky is a preeminent expert on "translational" research which brings knowledge more quickly from the research lab to patients' bedsides. Dr. Gary Small, Director of the UCLA Center on Aging and the author of the bestselling book The Memory Bible, delivered a major talk on breakthrough technologies allowing physicians to detect Alzheimer's years before patients start showing symptoms.

The conference was jointly sponsored by the University's Institute on Aging and the Alzheimer's Association, Central and Western Virginia Chapter. This program was made possible in part by Geriatric Training and Education (GTE) funds appropriated by the General Assembly of Virginia and administered by the Virginia Center on Aging at Virginia Commonwealth University.

Primary care physicians, neurologists, members of the Virginia Alzheimer's Disease Commission, nurse practitioners, long-term care senior staff, and faculty from Virginia universities were among those attending.

Content from the conference will soon be available on the Institute of Aging website at http://www.virginia.edu/aginginstitute/ . Look for further news in the next issue of "Lifelines."

The primary mission of the University of Virginia Institute on Aging is to understand and enhance the aging process throughout the human lifespan. It acts as a catalyst and coordinator for interdisciplinary research, education, and service programs. The mission of the Alzheimer's Association is to eliminate Alzheimer's disease through the advancement of research; to provide and enhance care and support for all affected; and to reduce the risk of dementia through the promotion of brain health.