The American Association for Geriatric Psychiatry will hold its 23rd Annual Meeting March 5-8, providing an educational forum for health care professionals dedicated to addressing the mental health needs of a growing older population. One thousand geriatric psychiatrists, general psychiatrists, neurologists, advance practice nurses, psychologists, social workers, and others will gather for this four-day educational event focused on the diagnosis, treatment, causes and prevention of late-life mental illness.

This year’s conference will focus on the complexities of managing older patients in the community, in nursing homes and long-term care facilities, and those at the end of life. “Now more than ever clinicians are encountering a diverse patient population, ranging from astonishingly healthy seniors to very frail older adults with various and severe health issues,” AAGP Annual Meeting Program Chair Susan K. Schultz, MD, explained.

Life expectancies are increasing, the aging population is growing, and late-life mental illnesses are more widely recognized. Upwards of 20 percent of older adults in the community may suffer depressive symptoms and up to 15 percent of those over 65 may be affected by Alzheimer’s disease. In the United States, the older population in 2030 is projected to be twice as large as in 2000, growing from 35 million to 71.5 million.

Highlights of the meeting, to be held at the Savannah International Trade and Convention Center and the Westin Savannah Harbor, include:

· An opening plenary address on the aging of the Baby Boomers and the impact on the field of geriatric psychiatry and other health care professions
· A neuroscience program on the effects of stress on the aging brain
· 50 educational sessions over four days, covering late-life depression, Alzheimer’s disease, aging and cognitive health, pain and end-of-life issues, late-life substance abuse, neuromodulation therapies, complementary and alternative medicine, policy and politics, and much more
· 2 research poster sessions highlighting the latest findings from more than 100 investigators

In conjunction with the scientific conference, the public is invited to a seminar on Successful Aging on Sunday, March 7, 2:30-4:00 pm, at the Westin Savannah Harbor. Sponsored by the AAGP’s sister organization, the Geriatric Mental Health Foundation, the seminar will offer tips on staying mentally sharp, keeping healthy and happy, and protecting one’s independence. Learn more at www.GMHFonline.org.

A complete schedule of the AAGP Annual Meeting is available online at www.AAGPmeeting.org.

Members of the press may request complimentary registration by contacting Kate McDuffie at KMcDuffie@AAGPonline.org or (301) 654-7850, ext. 113.

Founded in 1978, the American Association for Geriatric Psychiatry (www.AAGPonline.org) is a national organization representing and serving its members and the field of geriatric psychiatry. 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.