IPA Press Releases

It's great work if you can get it, outgoing IPA president says

VANCOUVER (August 20) - Renowned New York geriatric psychiatrist and researcher Dr. Barry Reisberg, handing off the IPA presidency to Dr. Edmond Chiu of Melbourne, Australia, said here today that it had been an honour to be president of this "vibrant, wonderful and exciting" organization for two years: "It's great work if you can get it."

Reisberg was speaking at the emotional closing event of the IPA's Ninth International Congress which opened August 15. He wished Dr. Chiu well as he carried forward the aims of the organization and particularly a mission to advance knowledge about psychogeriatrics throughout the world. Reisberg's landmark paper about "retrogenesis" - scientifically documenting parallels between positive childhood development, and the reverse stages of Alzheimer's deterioration - was a professional and media highlight of the six days of scientific deliberation.

About 2,000 of the world’s leading physicians, scientists and related health professionals participated, focusing on mental health of the aging, depression, the dementias such as Alzheimer's and related issues. Over 700 scientific papers were presented by delegates from 50 countries of the world, attracting unprecedented international media attention.

The congress Chair Dr. Joel Sadavoy of Toronto, Canada, praised his colleagues for consistently demonstrating through the week that "even at the end of life" patients will be treated in a dignified fashion, "with warmth and caring and all those things that give life meaning... we must end with the recognition that this was an important event - in both personal and professional terms - for all of us."

Organizing committee chair Dr. Lilian Thorpe of Saskatoon, Canada, added: "We all have the same issues to deal with - all around the world. This coming together, this emotive experience among wonderful people who care for each other, and particularly about all the people for whom we professionally care, has been special."

The IPA executive for the next two years was introduced at the closing ceremonies: Dr. Chiu, president; Dr. Alastair Burns of England, president-elect; Dr. Mario Floravanti of Italy, secretary; Dr. George Grossberg of the United States, treasurer; and Dr. Reisberg as past-president.

During the final sessions of the congress great emphasis was placed on two major world initiatives which will be at the forefront of IPA activity during the next two years:

• "Upskilling" general practitioners and health resources - particularly in developing countries - in psychogeriatrics, and particularly the ability to diagnose at an early stage the onset of depression, dementia and other issues affecting the mental health of the elderly. These resources are virtually nonexistent in much of today's world, and even insufficient in developed countries to meet the challenge of society’s fastest growing demographic.
  
• An international initiative is focused on the "epidemic" suicide rate among older persons. This will require exhaustive research, education and public information programs.

IPA's Tenth Congress will be held in the year 2001 in Nice, France. Planning is under the direction of IPA director Dr. Philippe Robert of Nice.