Teleconference to deal with Alzheimer’s issues

BANGOR – Hospice of Eastern Maine and Dignity Memorial will serve as host for Hospice Foundation of America’s 11th annual bereavement teleconference, “Living With Grief, Alzheimer’s Disease” at 1:30 p.m. Wednesday, April 28, at Mason Auditorium, Eastern Maine Medical Center.

An expert panel will discuss what is known medically about the diagnosis, progression and treatment of Alzheimer’s disease; explore innovative programs for patients and caregivers, focus on the particular grief issues patients and families face in the course of the illness; and examine the challenges and opportunities Alzheimer’s disease presents to clinicians, caregivers, hospice workers and policy advocates. The panel also will discuss dementias other than Alzheimer’s.

Panel members are Dr. Kenneth F. Doka, professor of gerontology at the Graduate School of The College of New Rochelle; Dr. Parag Dalsania, director of the geriatric clnic for the Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Washington, D.C.; Jack D. Gordon, chairman and chief executive officer, Hospice Foundation of America; Lisa P. Gwyther, clinical social worker with 30 years experience in aging and Alzheimer’s services; Dr. William E. Haley, professor and chairman of the University of South Florida Department of Gerontology; Dr. Richard F. Hamm. director of the West Virginia University Center on Aging; and Nurse Lin E. Noyes, clinical director of the Alzheimer’s Family Day Center in Church Falls, Va.

A post-teleconference discussion will be held from 4 to 4:30 p.m. Panelists for that discussion are Elizabeth Grantham, director of social services at Westgate Manor; Sally F. Smith, Alzheimer’s care manager, Mount Desert Island Hospital; and Elizabeth Weaver, program director for the Maine Alzheimer’s Association.

Continuing education units are available for a $25 fee per unit.

Registration fee for the teleconference is $10. Call Alice Guite at 973-8269 to obtain more information or to make a reservation.