When
will we be able to use presymptomatic brain imaging diagnoses
of geriatric diseases such as Alzheimer’s disease?
Mark
George, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston,
SC, USA
Two areas of immense promise in geriatrics
are brain imaging, and new methods of brain stimulation. This
symposium promises to review the latest in these areas, with
a view into the future. The revolution in brain imaging continues
unabated, and is even speeding up, with almost yearly advances
in new techniques, and weekly advances in new findings.
In the first lecture, Dr. George will review
the ‘Holy Grail’ of geriatric imaging. His talk is entitled,
‘When will we be able to use presymptomatic brain imaging
diagnoses of geriatric diseases such as Alzheimer’s disease’.
Bridging from imaging into brain stimulation
techniques, Dr. Ziad Nahas will provide, ‘An update on somatic
interventions as cognitive enhancers.’ There is exciting and
promising new work in each of these areas (Transcranial Magnetic
Stimulation ? TMS, Vagus Nerve Stimulation ? VNS, and Deep
Brain Stimulation ? DBS).
Dr. Andrew Kozel will review new information
regarding using TMS as an antidepressant, particularly as
a tool in geriatric depression. His talk will be ‘TMS in geriatric
depression ? does it work and what does it tell us about the
disease and the technology?’.
Finally, Dr. Saxby Pridmore of Hobart
Australia will review the newest advances with one of the
oldest technologies. His talk will be - ‘ECT, new ideas about
an old technology’.
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