IPA Press Releases

MEDIA ADVISORY - Finding and caring for people suffering from psychosis challenges modern society.

VANCOUVER,B.C. (August 17) - The trend toward deinstitutionalization of the mentally ill has created substantial populations of people in the community who are getting older, and not getting better. According to Dr. Edmond Chiu of Melbourne, Australia, the incoming president of the International Psychogeriatric Association, people who exhibit psychotic behavior (such as delusions and hallucinations similar to those found in schizophrenia) are "unpredictable, suffering and in need of help."

Among the participants in a symposium Wednesday dealing with psychosis will be Dr. Dilip Jeste of Los Angeles, an internationally recognized authority on the topic.

The IPA’s Ninth Congress continues in Vancouver Wednesday, and will conclude Friday. About 2,000 of the world’s leading medical and scientific minds are discussing all issues related to mental health and aging.

Other highlights Wednesday will include:

• Dr. Robin Jacoby of England will lead a symposium discussing suicide in late life, a problem of such gravity that IPA, in cooperation with the World Health Organization, is studying the problem and solutions worldwide. There are remarkable statistical differences from country to country, culture to culture and between genders. Other leaders in this international initiative - Dr. Eric Caine of the United States and Dr. Diego De Leo of Italy - are also available for interviews.
  
• Neuroimaging - CT, MRI and MRS (Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy) scanning have become vital diagnostic tools, assisting in the definition of both problems and solutions. Dr. Chiu said neuroimaging is one of the important aids in distinguishing between vascular dementia and Alzheimer’s Disease. "If you pick the wrong horse, the drug is not going to work," he added. Among those at the Congress who can speak authoritatively on neuroimaging are Dr. John O’Brien and Dr. Robert Howard, both of England.