Dementia in older adults and quality of life for those nearing death are two of the topics to be explored at the 16th annual "Issues in Aging" program Monday to Wednesday, May 12-14, at the Management Education Center in Troy.

This annual continuing education program for health and human service professionals is sponsored by Wayne State University's Institute of Gerontology. Jennifer Mendez, associate director of education for the institute, explains that the program is intended for nurses, physicians, social workers and other professionals who can benefit from multidisciplinary education and training that gives special attention to the needs of a diverse aging population.

Programs during the three days include: Monday, May 12 - "Advances in the Treatment of Dementia"; Tuesday: May 13 - "New Findings in Physical and Mental Health Promotion Among Older Adults"; and Wednesday, May 14 - "Current Trends in Quality of Life at the End of Life."

A complete program of speakers and their topics is available at the Institute of Gerontology Web site or from Talmage Crossley at (313) 577-1180 tcrossle@med.wayne.edu

or from Jennifer Mendez, associate director of education for the Institute of Gerontology, at (313) 875-3722 j.mendez@wayne.edu.

Since 1988, more than 4,000 professionals have attended this "Issues on Aging" program. National and local speakers provide best-practice knowledge and skill development on more than 36 different topics in the field of aging.

The registration fee includes continental breakfast, breaks, lunch and a bound set of materials for the entire program. Discounts are available for multi-day registrants: One-Day Registration is $115; Two-Day, $195; and Three-Day, $270. Three or more registrants from the same facility can register at $250 per person for the Three-Day Registration.

Collaborating organizations include the Geriatric Education Center of Michigan; Hospice of Michigan's Maggie Allesee Center for Quality of Life; Lutheran Social Services of Michigan, Presbyterian Villages of Michigan, St. Joseph Mercy Health System Senior Health Services and William Beaumont Hospital.

The Wayne State Board of Governors created the Institute of Gerontology in 1965 in response to a mandate from the State of Michigan Legislature. The mission of the institute is to conduct and disseminate research findings that will: increase knowledge about aging and related processes; improve the practice of gerontology and geriatrics; and influence the development and implementation of public policy. The Institute offers a graduate certificate in gerontology and a series of continuing education programs on aging issues.

For more information about the Institute of Gerontology and its programs, visit the Institute of Gerontology Web page or call (313) 577-2297.

Wayne State University is a premier institution of higher education offering more than 350 academic programs through 13 schools and colleges to more than 30,000 students in metropolitan Detroit.

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