July 2004

Conference to address dementia issues

Austin Health’s Cognitive, Dementia and Memory Service (CDAMS) annual conference will centre on cognitive assessment, practical management and new advances in therapy.

The conference targets all health professionals seeking to advance their knowledge and understanding of current issues in dementia.

It will be held at the Heidelberg Repatriation Hospital, 300 Waterdale Road, West Heidelberg on August 30.

The conference will address the complex health issues surrounding dementia and discuss strategies to maximise health for the older community.

Conference speakers and topics will include:

• Dr Andrew Hughes—consultant neurologist and neurorehabilitationist at Austin Health and Director of the Movement Disorders Program—on the unifying theories of dementia and Parkinsons and dementia;

• Dr Jane Hecker—staff specialist at the Repatriation Hospital and Flinders Medical Centre and visiting Geriatrician at the College of Grove Rehabilitation Hospital and Wakefield Hospital, South Australia—on management of moderately severe dementia;

• Professor Michael Woodward—Austin Health Director of Aged Care Services—and principal investigator for a number of trials of medications for dementia and psychotic symptoms related to dementia—on new prospects for dementia treatment;

• Professor Michael Saling—Director of Neuropsychology at Austin Health—on assessing competency;

• Professor Peteris Darzins—in Geriatric Medicine at Monash University in the Monash Ageing Research Centre and a consultant geriatrician in Southern Health—on assessing fitness to drive.

Austin Health is one of the largest providers of aged care services.

• For more information about the Cognitive Assessment, Practical Management and New Advances in therapy Conference contact Kaye Milburn 9496 2596.