Newsmaker: 'Tsunami' of Alzheimer’s looms

Be Mentally Well: Managing the impact of Alzheimer’s disease

April 3, 2012

While confirming that the increasing incidence of Alzheimer’s disease is daunting, a panel of experts from UMass Medical School and clinical partner UMass Memorial Health Care said support and resources are available to family members, caregivers, patients and health care professionals dealing with the devastating neurodegenerative disorder. The panel discussion was part of “Be Mentally Well: Managing the Impact of Alzheimer’s Disease,” which took place on Wednesday, March 28.

Read about the evening in a recent Worcester Telegram & Gazette story: Doctor: ‘Tsunami' of Alzheimer's looms

Quoted in the article were Gary Moak, MD, clinical associate professor of psychiatry; Robert H. Brown Jr., DPhil, MD, chair and professor of neurology; and Brenda King, PsyD, medical home care advisor. They discussed—and answered numerous questions about—genetic risk and available testing, the value of treatment and understanding the value of caregiver interventions. Among those in attendance, including families, health care professionals and medical students, was Anne Hartstein, secretary of the Massachusetts Executive Office of Elder Affairs, who thanked organizers for creating the program.

“The goal is not so much to change the inevitable,” said Dr. Moak. “The goal is to slow that down and preserve the quality of life.”

Related link on UMassMedNow:
Be Mentally Well: Managing the impact of Alzheimer’s disease