You are invited to a free public forum on cognition and dementia, Wednesday 9th May.

The University of Newcastle Priority Research Centre for Translational Neuroscience and Mental Health Research (CTNMH), in partnership with Hunter Medical Research Institute (HMRI), is holding a free public forum to provide information and the latest research into cognition and dementia.

Two of the Hunter's leading mental health researchers and clinicians will discuss cutting edge research into early detection of Alzheimer’s disease in our ageing population as well as pathways to healthy independent ageing (further details below).

Presenters:

• Conjoint A/Prof Peter Schofield (Clinical Director, Neuropsychiatry Service, Mater Hospital)
• A/Prof Frini Karayanidis (Convenor of the Development, Ageing and Cognition Program of the Centre for Translational Neuroscience and Mental Health).

The forum will comprise a 30 minute presentation by each keynote speaker, with a panel of key researchers and clinicians on hand to answer your questions.

Light refreshments will be provided.

FREE Public Forum - Dementia and Cognition
Wednesday, May 9^th 2012
5.30pm-7.30pm
Royal Newcastle Centre Lecture Theatre (John Hunter Hospital)

For further information, please contact Annalese Johnson: Annalese.johnson@hnehealth.nsw.gov.au or (02) 4033 5706.

Pathways to healthy, independent ageing - A/Prof Frini Karayanidis

Successful adaptation in our complex and unpredictable world depends on our ability to adapt to change by flexibly adjusting our behaviour. Cognitive flexibility and the brain networks that support it vary across the lifespan, peaking in late 20s and declining in senescence. Difficulties with cognitive flexibility and adaptive control can interfere with the efficient completion of essential activities of daily living. This, in turn, compromises the ability to maintain an independent lifestyle in old age, with serious personal, social and economic implications. Although there has been a large amount of popular media interest in cognitive remediation in healthy ageing, there is little evidence that this training transfers into daily life. Associate Professor Frini Karayanidis will discuss recent scientific approaches to understanding the mechanisms that mediate adaptive control difficulties in healthy ageing. This work can inform evidence-based remedial interventions that will transfer into daily activities and may contribute to prolonged independent living in healthy older people.

Dementia in the 21^st century: the challenge of early detection - Conjoint A/Prof Peter Schofield

Alzheimer’s disease, the commonest cause of dementia, evolves through a protracted asymptomatic phase lasting many years before the onset of obvious symptoms and signs. There is enormous research activity world wide seeking treatments that can halt or reverse the condition. When these so-called ‘disease-modifying’ treatments become available, it will be crucial that we have techniques to detect Alzheimer’s disease in its earliest stages so treatment can begin as early as possible to limit the consequences of the disease. Dr Schofield will briefly review this background and describe local research attempting to address these needs.

HMRI is a partnership between Hunter New England Health, the University of Newcastle and the community.