Beneficial Alzheimer's therapies, update on prevention efforts focused at ADI International Conference

Beneficial Alzheimer's therapies that don't use drugs, and an update on prevention efforts, are the focus of the second day's plenary sessions at the 25th International Conference of Alzheimer's Disease International (ADI), March 12, 2010 at the Grand Hotel Palace, Thessaloniki, Greece.

Prof. Robert Woods of Bangor University, Gwynedd, United Kingdom, says, "Psychological therapies have been used with people with dementia for at least 50 years, aiming to improve or maintain cognition, functional abilities, and quality of life, and reduce distress, anxiety, depression and behavioral difficulties."

In his presentation at the conference, titled "Psychological Interventions with People with Dementia," Woods will share encouraging findings from recent research, including cognitive stimulation and behavioral approaches. Effect sizes comparable to drug therapies have been reported, with fewer side effects, according to Woods.

Prof. Esme Moniz-Cook of the Institute of Rehabilitation, Hull York Medical School, United Kingdom, will define psychosocial intervention in dementia care and review some of the interventions that are known to help. She will discuss recent research conducted in the UK. Mary Mittleman, D.P.H. of the New York University, Langone Medical Center, USA will talk about her experience "Translating the NYU Caregiver Intervention from Research to Practice Settings."

The day's second plenary session will address the topic of "Can We Prevent Alzheimer's." Scheduled topics/presenters are:

- The Prevention Working Group of ADI. Barry Reisberg, M.D., New York University School of Medicine, USA. - Can Physical and Mental Exercise Prevent Cognitive Decline? Michael Valenzuela, Ph.D., University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia. - Helicobacter Pylori & Neurodegenerative Diseases. Kountouras Jannis, M.D., Ph.D., Aristotle University, Thessaloniki, Greece. - Brain Donation by People with Dementia and Carers. Prof. Paul Francis, King's College London, England.